Title: US CPI Report: Impact on USD/JPY Battle Lines | Analysis and Forecast

As the world’s best investment manager and financial market’s journalist, I am here to provide you with the most insightful analysis of the upcoming US CPI report and its potential impact on the USD/JPY battle lines. With a forecast of 2.6% y/y headline inflation and 3.2% y/y “core” inflation, this report will play a crucial role in determining the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions.

The USD/JPY battle lines are clearly drawn, with bulls defending the 2024 low near 142.00 while facing resistance at 144.00. Traders are eagerly awaiting the CPI report to gauge the Fed’s next move, with expectations of a 25bps rate cut next week.

Analyzing the charts, we see that US CPI has been on a downward trend from the 2022 peak, while the ISM PMI Prices component has stabilized. The “Prices” component of the PMI reports indicates that CPI inflation is likely to remain steady in the coming months.

One key factor to watch is the “base effects” on the CPI calculation, with last August’s reading expected to drop out of the annual figure. This adjustment could impact the headline year-over-year CPI reading.

On the USD/JPY daily chart, we observe a breakdown below the 144.00 support level, with bears maintaining control. Traders are pricing in potential rate cuts from the Fed and rate increases from the Bank of Japan, adding selling pressure to the pair.

Looking ahead, a strong CPI report could push USD/JPY back up to 144.00, while a soft reading may bring the 142.00 level into play. Traders are likely to remain cautious within this range post-CPI release, awaiting further clarity on the Fed’s stance.

In conclusion, the US CPI report is a critical economic release that can have a significant impact on the financial markets, particularly the USD/JPY pair. Understanding the implications of this data and its influence on central bank decisions is crucial for investors and traders alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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