The tables could be turning for risk, with several JPY crosses looking like they’re finally topping out and due their anticipated corrections. With indices just off record highs and several markets pausing below key resistance (AUD/USD, EUR/JPY and USD/JPY, just to name a few), it suggests traders are hopeful U.S. and China can sign this famous deal, yet doubts linger in the air. And with reports piling up that the U.S. and China aren’t likely to sign the famous “phase one” trade deal until December, then risk could be ripe for a correction.
This potential correction was flagged a couple of weeks ago with so many markets pausing at the said key levels. Now momentum has turned, the probability of downside for risk assets could be increasing, although equity markets are yet to play catch-up.
109.32 is clearly a big level for USD/JPY as it's tired and has failed to break this level three times. The elongated bearish engulfing candle marked prominent resistance on the 1st August and prices rolled over to print a fresh YTD low. Whilst a recovery saw it recoup losses, a bearish pinbar reaffirmed the key resistance levels, and prices have retreated from it once more with a bearish Harammi pattern today.
We could go as far to say that 109.32 could be the ‘phase one’ line in the sand so, without a deal, its hard to envisage a bullish breakout yet. Yet if we stand back there is the potential for a larger bearish wedge formation.