EUR/JPY falls below 158.00 as EU inflation approaches ECB target

• Eurozone's HICP rose 2.2% YoY in August, aligning with expectations but capping the Euro's recovery.
• ECB official Francois Villeroy signals potential rate cuts, while Bundesbank's Joachim Nael warns inflation isn't yet at target levels.
• BoJ's policy decision looms, with concerns about Yen strength potentially reducing chances for further rate hikes.

The Euro edged lower against the Japanese Yen in early trading during the North American session, down by 0.29%, after the Eurozone's (EU) inflation approaches the European Central Bank's (ECB) 2% goal. The EUR/JPY trades at 157.74 after hitting a high of 158.25.

EUR/JPY drops on dovish ECB comments, as traders eye BoJ's policy decision

Eurostat revealed that the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose by 2.2% YoY in August, as estimated and aligned with the previous month's reading. The data underpinned the EUR/JPY, which was trading near daily lows of 157.04.

The Euro's recovery was capped by ECB official Francois Villeroy's dovish comments, reaffirming that the ECB will likely continue lowering borrowing costs.

Conversely, Bundesbank President and ECB member Joachim Nael stated, "Inflation is currently not where we want it to be," pushing back against a possible rate cut in October.

The Bank of Japan will host its monetary policy decision on Friday. Although BoJ officials leaned hawkish, some members had grown wary of the rise in the Yen, which may hinder BoJ's chances for additional hikes, as a stronger currency would lower import costs and slow inflation.

EUR/JPY Price Forecast: Technical outlook

From a technical standpoint, the EUR/JPY is downward biased, though it could consolidate within the Tenkan-Sen (157.35) and Kijun Sen (159.51). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) favors sellers, though it shifted flat, while price action suggests that a leg-up may be underway.

Nevertheless, buyers must push prices above September's 17 high of 158.32. Once surpassed, this will expose 159.00, followed by the Kijun-Sen at 159.51. On further strength, the 160.00 mark is up for grabs. Otherwise, a drop below 158.00 will expose the Tenkan-Sen at 157.35, followed by the September 17 low of 156.04.