USD/JPY tumbles over 1% as US core inflation cools

• USD/JPY falls sharply as U.S. consumer inflation data shows slowing core inflation.
• Bank of Japan Governor's hawkish comments lift Yen; U.S. 10-year yields drop 12bps.
• Upcoming Fed speeches and U.S. economic data key for further market direction.

The USD/JPY dropped over 1% in early trading during the North American session as inflation data in the United States (US) resumed its downward trajectory in core figures. The pair trades at 156.33 at the time of writing.

US Dollar falls to 156.33 against Yen following US inflation data that showed a slowdown in core price

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that consumer inflation rose by 0.4% Month over Month, exceeding estimates of 0.3% for an unchanged number compared to November's reading. Annualized, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.9% as expected, up two ticks from the previous reading of 2.7%.

Excluding volatile items, the so-called core inflation expanded by 0.2% MoM, as expected. At the same time, in the twelve months to date, it is up 3.2%, lower than the 3.3% printed in November and projected by economists.

The Yen extended its gains as the USD/JPY slipped from around 157.00 to current spot prices. Following suit, the US 10-year Treasury note yield plunged over twelve basis points (bps) to 4.661%.

Earlier during the Asian session, Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda was hawkish. He stated that they will hike rates and adjust the degree of monetary support if the economy improves and price conditions continue. He emphasized that Spring wage talks are crucial and noted that BoJ's branch managers' meeting showed an encouraging view on pay.

Later in the day, Fed speakers Thomas Barkin, Neel Kashkari, and John Williams will cross the newswires ahead of Thursday's Retail Sales and jobless claims data. The Japanese economic docket is empty for the remainder of the week.

USD/JPY Price Analysis: Technical outlook

The uptrend remains intact, yet the USD/JPY might retreat in the short term. Once sellers pushed prices below the Tenkan-sen of 157.41, that opened the door for further losses. The next key support would be the 156.00 figure, followed by the Kijun-sen at 154.94. The next support would be the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 154.74 if cleared.

Conversely, if USD/JPY climbs past 157.00, it clears the path to challenge the Tenkan-sen at 157.41. On further strength, the next resistance will be the 158.00 mark.