[B]Date: 16th June 2026.[/B]
[B]Trump announced that the US and Iran will sign a peace agreement on Friday.[/B]
A major week for central banks and the global currency markets is underway as five central banks release their interest rate decisions. These include the Bank of Japan, Reserve Bank of Australia, Federal Reserve, Swiss National Bank, and Bank of England. So far, the Bank of Japan and Reserve Bank of Australia have made their interest rate decisions public, but the most influential decision will come from the Federal Reserve.
The best-performing currencies of the past week have been the Australian Dollar and Swiss Franc. The Australian Dollar has been the best performing currency of 2026 so far, but the performance of multiple currencies will depend largely on the Federal Reserve and the US Dollar.
Japanese Yen - BOJ Hike Takes Rates to a 31-Year High
The Bank of Japan adjusted its policy rate from 0.75% to 1.00%, the highest since 1995. However, the Japanese Yen’s first reaction was to slightly decline, and any gains since have been minimal. As interest rate hikes are known to support the currency, why has the Japanese Yen not seen significant gains?
HFM - USDJPY 30-Minute Chart
The interest rate hike was widely expected and fully priced into the market. As a result, there was little need for further buying after the bank adjusted rates. In addition, the US Dollar was the best-performing currency during this morning’s Asian session and yesterday’s US session. Investors still expect Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh to maintain a hawkish stance. Bond yields also remain 20% above their 12-month average.
For the Japanese Yen to gain momentum, the BOJ will need to give a strong indication of more rate hikes. So far, most analysts believe the Bank of Japan may hike on one more occasion this year. However, even with a further hike, the Yen may need a more neutral Fed in order to maintain momentum in its favour.
Harumi Taguchi, principal economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence said ‘I believe the BOJ stance remains unchanged in that it will continue to implement gradual rate hikes roughly every six months. Another rate hike within the year is also possible.’
In terms of technical analysis, the price is at a neutral level, with the currency pair trading at the 200-bar moving average on the 5-minute chart. In addition to this, the price is trading in the middle of the day’s high and low. For a sell signal to materialise, traders will be looking for the price to fall below 160.140. At this level, the price will form a crossover, move away from the 200-bar SMA, and regain 65% of the previous bullish wave. For this reason, sell signals can strengthen at this point for the USD/JPY.
Australian Dollar - The RBA Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Australian Dollar is declining against all currencies as the Reserve Bank of Australia kept interest rates unchanged and agreed that unemployment is higher than expected. Some comments from the RBA governor were deemed hawkish, but investors focused on certain comments on the economy. Indeed, economic and employment data in recent weeks have deteriorated. However, the governor was also clear that she believes inflation will remain high.
According to the RBA, there are signs that consumer spending growth is slowing as expected, while housing market momentum has weakened, with prices falling in some capital cities. The unemployment rate rose more than expected in April, although other labour market indicators remain relatively resilient.
Similar to the Japanese Yen, the performance of the AUD will also depend largely on the US Dollar. However, the AUD remains the best-performing currency of the year, even ahead of the US Dollar. Therefore, investors should be cautious of quick bullish impulse waves in favour of the AUD.
HFM - AUDUSD 30-Minute Chart
Federal Reserve - US Dollar Hold Onto Gains
Despite facing fundamental pressure from the US-Iran peace deal and lower oil prices, the US Dollar Index proved resilient. After recovering the losses caused by the negative price gap, the currency continued to strengthen and moved even higher.
The market is not expecting any adjustments to interest rates tomorrow, but is treating Kevin Warsh with caution. Despite the changes in market conditions, bond yields remain high, and markets continue to price in at least one interest rate hike this year. For this reason, the US Dollar holds onto its gains, but the easing tensions in the Middle East can pressure the safe-haven currency.
Markets will expect major volatility during the press conference of the new Federal Reserve Chairman, Kevin Warsh. Of particular interest to investors is whether he believes rates will rise in the coming months.
Key Takeaway:
The Federal Reserve remains the main market focus. While several central banks are announcing rate decisions, investors are primarily watching the new Fed Chair for guidance on future rate hikes.
The Bank of Japan raised rates to their highest level since 1995. However, the Yen saw limited gains as the move was already priced in and a strong Dollar offset the impact.
The Australian Dollar remains the year’s strongest currency despite RBA caution. The RBA kept rates unchanged and highlighted softer economic conditions, but persistent inflation continues to support the currency.
US Dollar strength continues despite easing geopolitical risks. High bond yields and expectations of at least one Fed rate hike this year are helping the Dollar hold onto its gains. However, tomorrow’s Federal Reserve press conference will be key for this.
[B]Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.[/B]
[B]Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.[/B]
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[B]Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets[/B]
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