USD/JPY traded in a more subdued range today. It ticked a little higher towards 145.65 before losing some ground. As I post its mid-range around 145.30 or so.

We had Japan's flash manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) data for August. This showed continued contraction for manufacturing and expansion for services at a faster rate.

The USD added a few points pretty much across the major’s board, but ranges were small. EUR, AUD, NZD all fell against the big dollar. USD/CAD and GBP/USD are not a lot changed.

South Korea's central bank, the Bank of Korea, held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5%, as was widely expected. The Bank signalled it was ready to start easing policy as inflation pressures and growth have eased. Governor Rhee said the Bank did not cut today due to concerns over financial stability risks. Analysts expect a cut at the Bank’s October meeting.

usdyen wrap 22 August 2024 2

Sheesh ... describing an 80 point USD/JPY range as subdued.