FX.co ★ USD/JPY depends on trade jitters, so cautious buying on dips

The US economic data had little impact and USD/JPY moves will be dominated by trade developments.

With markets looking for fresh impetus, the US economic data was oflittle importance to traders. The revised reading of the second-quarter GDP came in at 2.0% from the flash reading of 2.1% and in line with consensus forecasts, although consumer spending growth was revised upward.

Initial jobless claims increased to 215,000 from 211,000 previously, also in line with market expectations.

The goods trade deficit narrowed to $72.3bn in July from $74.2bn in the previous month as imports declined slightly on the month.

Treasuries edged lower after the data, but the 10-year yield was trapped below 1.50%.

USD/JPY hit resistance close to 106.40 and retreated to 106.25 with the US currency struggling to take advantage of gains in US equity futures. The overall yield structure will limit potential USD support with Japanese funds wary over funnelling capital overseas.

Trade rhetoric will continue to set the tone in the market in the short term. Although China has confirmed that US and Chinese trade teams have been conversing, it also stated that negotiations in September would be dependent on the right atmosphere to nurture constructive negotiations.

The dollar will get a short-lived boost if it is confirmed that the September negotiations in Washington will take place as scheduled. However, overall sentiment will inevitably remain fragile, especially given the threat of erratic rhetoric from President Trump. Trading volumes will also decline ahead of the US long weekend with Labor Day on Monday.

There will be very tough resistance on any USD/JPY approach to 106.75 with short-term support on approach to 105.70.