USD/JPY continues to hug the 114 line this week. Currently, the pair is trading at 113.90. In economic news, Japanese BoJ Core CPI edged up to 0.2%. The markets are keeping a close eye on Japanese Final GDP for the fourth quarter, with an estimate of 0.4%. Preliminary GDP came in at 0.2%. If GDP is revised upwards, the yen could gain ground. In the US, today’s highlight is Trade Balance, with an expected deficit of 47.0 billion. On Wednesday, the US releases ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, ahead of the official Nonfarm Payrolls report on Friday.
Donald Trump continues to create controversy on an almost basis, much to the consternation of the markets. Still, the dollar remains strong, buoyed by a strong economy and the increasing likelihood of a rate hike at the upcoming Fed policy meeting on March 15. The likelihood of a March hike as jumped to 84%, according to the CME group, compared to 33% just a week ago. Why the huge jump in odds? One reason is that Fed policymakers have sent out strong hints that the Fed is leaning towards raising rates next week. Earlier in the year, the Fed sent out signals Fed sent out signals that it would stay on the sidelines until it had a clearer picture of Trump’s economic agenda, such as an outline of tax reform or fiscal spending plans. That has changed, as the Fed appears poised to move ahead despite the lack of any details about the administration’s economic policy. This week’s job numbers will be critically important, as strong numbers will likely boost the odds of a March move as well as push the greenback to higher levels.
