Despite Japanese interventions warnings, USD/JPY edges higher as stickier US inflation data fuels USD strength

The Greenback is strengthening across the board, as the US Dollar Index (DXY) rises to its highest level since November 2023. The DXY is up at 105.51, shy of testing the next resistance seen at 106.06. Wednesday’s inflation report sponsored the buck’s reaction. Meanwhile, the recently revealed Producer Price Index (PPI) was softer compared to CPI, though it failed to weigh on the US Dollar.

The US Department of Labor revealed that PPI in March slowed more than expected, coming at 0.2% MoM, below estimates of 0.3%. Annually-based figures witnessed the PPI rising by 2.1%, lower than projected by surpassing February’s 1.6%, while the core PPI stood at 2.4%, also above estimates and the previous month's data.

Given that US economic data suggests that the Federal Reserve’s job is not done, further US Dollar strength is seen, in the near term. Also, US Treasury yields on Wednesday, climbed more than 20 basis points along the whole yield curve, boosting the prospects of the American currency.

In the meantime, Federal Reserve officials continued to cross the wires. New York Fed President John Williams commented that recent inflation data has been disappointing, adding that the economic outlook is uncertain. Recently, Richmond’s Fed Thomas Barkin added that the latest inflation data does not increase confidence that disinflation is spreading in the economy, raising the question of whether we (the Fed) are seeing a shift.

On the Japanese front, Finance Minister Suzuki said that authorities wouldn’t rule out any steps to deal with excessive volatility in the Yen. He added, “We are looking with a high sense of urgency.”