An interesting weekly report came out of Japan early in Asia today that said that stock investments by foreigners fell by JPY -755B during the week of Feb. 29 vs JPY -68.1B in the prior week. This is the largest withdrawal of funds from Japanese stocks since Sept. 22. In addition, foreign bond investment fell by JPY -489.7B during the week of Feb. 29 vs JPY +656.3B a week earlier. However, the yen is still maintaining its “flight to safety” quality, at least until the Bank of Japan decides to provide further stimulus. Market News International reported that officials signalled Japan doesn’t need additional stimulus until USD/JPY falls sharply through 105.00. The BOJ doesn’t meet again until March 18-19.
The US Federal Reserve (FED) cut rates on Tuesday by 50 bps to 1.25%. After the GPIF was in the market during mid-February selling yen and buying counter currencies, USD/JPY began to tank, and fear of the coronavirus began spreading around the globe. USD/JPY came off from above 112.00 to todays levels near 106.50. There is horizontal support near today's lows, but the bearish outside engulfing candle on the day (so far) isn’t showing much promise for the pair to bounce significantly. The next support is a rising weekly trendline near 105.50 dating back to mid-2016.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) also cut rates this week by 25bps, to an a new all-time low of 0.50%. On a 240-minute timeframe, AUD/JPY broke lower out of the flag pattern dating back to mid-January and halted near the target of 70.00. Price bounced to near 71.50, turned lower, and formed a new pennant-like formation.Today, the pair broke lower again, moving towards target near 68.60. AUD/JPY must first break the previous lows of 69.40 on its way to target.
Finally, the Bank of Canada (BOC) cut rates yesterday by 50bps from 1.75% to 1.25%, and they still have additional room to move if needed. CAD/JPY as been moving lower from its highs of 84.75 in mid-February (the same time USD/JPY began moving lower). The pair has stalled at the 161.8% Fibonacci extension level from the lows on Feb. 3 to the highs on Feb. 20, neat 79.50. If price breaks through here, it could move quickly to the lows of Aug. 26 near 78.50. First resistance is the lows from earlier this week near 80.00.
Although the Bank of Japan hasn’t showed signs they would provide more stimulus until their meeting in mid-March, there is always the chance they could intervene inter-meeting and provide support (as the Fed did). However, one must wonder how much more they can do, as they have been supporting the economy for more than 20 years. But, if the BOJ wants the yen to weaken, it will need to do something soon.