The EUR/JPY currency pair has been trading near the top of a ten-week range recently as the Euro remains strong due to comments from European Central Bank (ECB) official Peter Kazimir. Kazimir stated that the ECB would closely monitor data in December to decide on future policy actions. Meanwhile, the Japanese Yen is under pressure as analysts believe it is at fair value and the ruling ADP party is losing support ahead of elections, which could lead to a low-interest rate policy if the opposition takes over.
Kazimir’s comments have boosted the Euro, with EUR/JPY trading in the upper 162.00s. He mentioned that all options remain on the table for the December policy meeting, indicating a cautious approach to interest rate cuts. This follows the ECB’s recent decision to cut rates by 25 basis points, sparking concerns among analysts about a potential acceleration in the easing cycle.
The Yen’s weakness is also driven by lower-than-expected Japanese inflation data, which showed a slowdown in headline and core inflation rates. This could prompt the Bank of Japan to maintain low interest rates, further weighing on the Yen and supporting EUR/JPY. Japanese authorities have warned against excessive currency volatility and intervened in the markets earlier this year to stabilize the Yen.
Analysts at Scotiabank believe that the Yen is currently trading close to its fair value estimate of 150.20 against the US Dollar. The upcoming event to watch for the Yen is Bank of Japan Governor Ueda’s speech at an International Money Fund event, which could provide further insights into the central bank’s future policy decisions.
Overall, the outlook for EUR/JPY remains bullish as the Euro is supported by ECB comments and the Yen faces pressure from political uncertainty and weakening economic data. Traders will be monitoring upcoming events and data releases for further guidance on the direction of the currency pair. By staying informed and analyzing key factors affecting the Euro and Yen, traders can make more informed decisions when trading EUR/JPY.