No clarity from BoJ summary of opinions

The Bank of Japan summary of opinions indicated a lack of clear direction regarding the timing of a rate hike. This will leave traders guessing as to whether the BoJ will wait until early next year, which seems the most likely scenario. Still, a December hike is on the table, as inflation remains high and the yen is struggling. At the same time, the political instability in Japan and the transfer of power in the US has resulted in considerable political uncertainty, which supports the case to hold rates until next year.

The BoJ has never made transparency a priority, in stark distinction to the Federal Reserve which took pains to telegraph its intent to lower rates earlier this month. The BoJ has surprised the markets in the past, which could be part of its effort to discourage yen speculators.

The BoJ meets next on Dec. 19 and key data such as inflation and GDP will be important factors ahead of the rate decision at the December meeting. As well, wages have been rising and the BoJ is hopeful that will translate into increased consumer spending and demand-driven inflation. Consumer spending makes up more than half of the economy and BoJ is unlikely to make further rate hikes until it sees stronger consumer spending.

In the US, there are no major events on the data calendar but investors will be listening closely as a number of FOMC members make public remarks today. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue to trim rates, with the markets pricing in a cut of 25 basis points at 65%, according to the CME’s FedWatch.

USD/JPY Technical

There is resistance at 154.76 and 155.57;

USD/JPY tested support at 1.5425 earlier. Below, there is support at 153.44.

Source: MarketPulse

Brent crude oil prices have continued to slip, touching 71.74 USD a barrel on Tuesday. This marks a downturn influenced by China’s underwhelming stimulus measures. The market’s lack of confidence in China’s rejuvenation efforts, coupled with persistently weak inflation and subdued energy demand within the country, has led to this downturn.

Compounding the downward pressure on oil prices, the US dollar’s strength makes commodity investments less attractive, as a robust USD typically dampens demand for dollar-priced assets like oil. However, the geopolitical landscape, which often serves as a driver for oil price volatility, appears stable for now. With reduced tensions in the Middle East, some risk premiums previously embedded in Brent prices have been alleviated.

Investors eagerly anticipate the monthly OPEC report expected later today, which is set to provide deeper insights into the supply-demand dynamics. This report has the potential to influence market sentiments significantly and is a key focus for investors as they consider global oil demand forecasts for 2025.

Brent technical analysis

On the H4 chart of Brent, the market continues to develop a broad consolidation range around the level of 73.66, extending to the level of 71.33. Today, we expect a growth link to the level of 73.66. After reaching this level, developing another downside structure to 71.22 is possible. Further, we will consider the probability of the beginning of the growth wave development to 76.00, with the prospect of the trend’s continuation to 80.80, the local target. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the MACD indicator. Its signal line is under the zero level and is directed downwards.

On the H1 Brent chart, the market has formed a consolidation range around 73.66 and worked out a downward wave to 71.33, the local target. Today, a correction link for this downward wave is likely with a target at 73.66, followed by another wave of decline to 71.22. At this point, the potential of the downward wave can be considered exhausted. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator. Its signal line is under 50 and is directed strictly downwards to 20.

Source: RoboForex Ltd

Simple Moving Average (SMA):

Exponential Moving Average (EMA):

On-Balance Volume (OBV):

Volume Moving Average:

Market Supply and Demand Dynamics

Global Weather Events

Different Consumption Patterns

Energy Substitution and Competition

Global Economic Growth

Geopolitical Events

Shifts Toward Energy Transition

Source: Euronews