Yen Weakness Puts Global Markets on Watch

Key Takeaways

-USDJPY remains close to 160, with 160.15 the next key area as traders monitor yen weakness and potential intervention risks.
-USDX faces resistance near 99.80, while 98.95 and 98.70 remain key downside levels if Dollar weakness continues.
-Gold maintains a bullish structure above 4,320, with 4,250 providing another important support area.
-The S&P 500 remains near record levels, while 7,750 is the key level to monitor for signs of broader profit-taking.
-Canadian CPI, UK CPI and the FOMC Meeting Minutes are the main economic catalysts for the week.

Markets enter the week with yen weakness, Dollar direction and Gold support levels in focus.

USDJPY remains close to 160, while softer US data has weighed on the Dollar and kept Gold supported. Traders are also watching Canadian CPI, UK CPI and the FOMC Meeting Minutes for fresh signals on inflation, interest rates and currency direction.

Why Traders Are Watching Global Markets

Yen weakness remains important for global liquidity as USDJPY trades near 160. A sharp reversal could affect carry trades and other risk assets.

Meanwhile, softer US data has reduced support for the Dollar, while Gold remains supported by lower rate expectations.

Key factors this week include:

-Yen and USDJPY: Whether USDJPY extends towards 160.15 or reverses sharply.
-Federal Reserve Policy: What the FOMC Minutes reveal about the future path for interest rates.
-Inflation Data: Canadian and UK CPI and their impact on monetary policy expectations.
-Global Liquidity: Whether changes in yen funding conditions affect risk assets.
-Geopolitical Risk: Ongoing uncertainty that could support demand for Gold.

Key Movements of the Week

USDX

USDX remains below the 99.80 resistance area as softer US data weighs on the Dollar.

-99.80 is the key resistance level if the Dollar attempts to recover.
-A move lower could bring 98.95 and 98.70 into focus.

EURUSD

EURUSD remains below the 1.1600 resistance area as traders assess the broader Dollar outlook.

-1.1530 is the key area to monitor if the pair consolidates.-A sustained move higher could bring 1.1635 into focus.

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Publication date:

17 August 2026 - 08:42 (GMT)

GBPUSD remains technically constructive around the 1.3495 area ahead of UK inflation data.

-A hold around 1.3495 could support further recovery.
-A sustained move higher could reinforce the current bullish structure.

USDJPY remains close to the 160 level, keeping yen weakness and intervention risk in focus.

-160.15 is the next key area if the pair continues higher.
-A sharp reversal could increase the risk of yen strengthening and carry-trade unwinding.

Gold continues to hold a bullish structure after trading higher last week.

-4,320 is the first area to monitor during consolidation.
-A deeper retracement could bring 4,250 into focus.

The S&P 500 remains close to record levels as lower expectations for further Fed tightening continue to support equities.

-7,750 is the key level for the current structure.
-A sustained close below 7,750 could signal broader profit-taking.

Bitcoin remains under pressure as traders assess liquidity conditions and broader risk appetite.

-62,265 is the key swing low to monitor.
-A break below this level could reinforce the current bearish structure.

US Oil remains sensitive to changes in supply expectations and broader market conditions.

-78.75 is the key area to monitor for potential bullish price action.
-A sustained move below this level could keep downside pressure in play.

Yen weakness remains a key market theme this week, with USDJPY near 160 and the potential for a sharp reversal to affect global liquidity and risk sentiment.

The main catalysts are Canadian CPI on 17 August, UK CPI on 19 August and the FOMC Meeting Minutes on 20 August. Their impact on interest-rate expectations could shape the Dollar, currencies and broader risk assets through the week.

Traders should monitor the technical levels outlined above alongside changes in central bank expectations, economic data and global liquidity conditions.

For a deeper look at this week’s economic catalysts, technical levels and market outlook, read the full article in the "learn more" button below.