USD/JPY traded above 157.35 in morning Japan trade but the gains weren’t sustained. We had some intervention-type comments from finance minister Kato that saw the pair dribble back to 157.10 and thereabouts. That’s not much of a range really, and the same can be said right across major FX.

The USD gained a few ticks against EUR, AUD, NZD and CAD. Cable is more or less unchanged on the session.

On the central bank front we had October meeting minutes from the Bank of Japan and December meeting minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia. There really wasn’t any surprise in either.

The Bank of Japan emphasized its cautious approach to raising rates, that it will do so at a moderate pace, and indicated those further hikes will come as long as the economy, inflation and wages move along as they expect.

The minutes from the RBA confirmed the Bank’s pivot to being hawkish at the December meeting, noting progress on inflation, although its still above target, and fewer upside CPI risks. This was communicated on the day of the meeting, nothing new.

usdyen boj minutes wrap 24 December 2024 2

For those celebrating on December 25, have a very Merry Christmas! Happy holidays to everyone else.