Will Trump’s inauguration fuel renewed USD buying ahead of anticipated BoJ rate hike?
At a Glance
The desk anticipates renewed USD buying momentum, particularly in light of potential trade tariffs and policy announcements from the Trump administration. Per the full note from MUFG EMEA, expectations are high for the dollar to gain traction as these developments unfold, especially with a possible Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hike on the horizon. The current positioning in the FX market suggests that traders are bracing for these shifts, which could further bolster the USD. With no major events on the calendar in the next month, market participants are likely to react strongly to any news from the U.S. administration.
Key Takeaways
Full Analysis
What the desk is arguing
The expectation of renewed USD buying is anchored by potential announcements from the incoming administration, notably trade tariffs under Executive Order. These developments, alongside anticipated stimulus measures, could lead to a more hawkish Fed outlook, further supporting the dollar's ascent.
Additionally, the looming possibility of the Bank of Japan continuing its tightening cycle could offer further contrast to U.S. monetary policy direction. If the BoJ does indeed follow through with another rate hike, this might amplify divergence in central bank policies, favoring a stronger USD against the JPY.
Where it sits in our coverage
Our current consensus target for the USD/JPY stands at 1.075, maintaining a firm spread towards the BoJ's rate outlook and the U.S. fiscal policy implications. This view aligns with our prior assessments anticipating divergence as a key driver in currency valuation in the upcoming months.
Specific firms like Barclays and JPMorgan are echoing this sentiment. Their published targets reflect a bullish outlook on the USD:
How other firms see it
Several firms are in alignment with this bullish view on the USD ahead of anticipated changes in monetary policies. For instance, goldman also expresses confidence that the dollar will gain traction against other currencies in the coming weeks.
Conversely, bofa holds a contrary stance, predicting a target of 1.04 for March, suggesting that the market’s expectation for a stronger dollar may be overdone in light of global economic uncertainties.
Market Implications
A significant move towards USD buying could reshape speculative positioning in FX markets, particularly against JPY. Should trade measures boost economic sentiment, we might see a broader USD rally, impacting risk assets and global trade flows.
GBP/USD — All Desk Targets
| Firm | Stance | YE 2027 |
|---|---|---|
Goldman Sachs | Bullish | 1.3600 |
UOB | Bullish | 1.3445 |
Citi | Bearish | 1.2400 |
From the original
At the end of the week Chris Jakubowski, Head of Hedge Fund FX Sales sits down with Derek Halpenny, Head of Research Global Markets EMEA & International Securities to discuss the key events in the week ahead and how the FX markets may respond. There are high expectations of Trump
Related speeches
4 itemsThe BoJ, yen and Trump’s tariff announcement
The desk anticipates that the upcoming tariff announcement from President Trump could significantly impact FX markets, particularly the Japanese yen. Per the full note from MUFG EMEA, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) faces pressure to adjust its monetary policy in response to rising inflation, which could lead to a potential rate hike. With inflation in Japan reported at 3.0% in September, higher than the BoJ's target, the market is closely watching for any signs of policy shifts. Our consensus target for USD/JPY is 1.075, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic outlook amid these developments.
JPY upside risks
The desk sees potential upside risks for the Japanese yen (JPY) as the US dollar (USD) faces renewed pressure from trade tariff threats. Per the full note from MUFG EMEA, the USD's year-to-date weakness is linked to President Trump's pragmatic tariff approach, but this may shift with impending tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The Bank of Japan's (BoJ) more hawkish stance further supports the yen's outlook, suggesting a potential for gains ahead. This evolving landscape highlights the need for traders to monitor both US trade policy and BoJ rhetoric closely.