USDJPY and Stocks the Latest Casualties of the Coronavirus

Earlier today,  one of the issues we pondered regarding the coronavirus was that USD/JPY was only down 40 pips from the day’s highs, while stocks were getting hammered and gold was flying.  Where was the “flight to safety”?  USD/JPY and stock indices are supposed to move together.  As stocks indices move lower, there is a tendency to buy yen.  Below is a 240-minute chart of USD/JPY.  The green panel below shows the correlation between USD/JPY and the S&P 500.  Notice that as USD/JPY  began to move higher earlier last week, the correlation began to move lower.  Stocks weren’t “buying into” the USD/JPY move (which is one of the reasons to consider it was the GPIF reallocation out of yen and into USD).  As matter of fact, when USD/JPY was topping, the correlation actually went negative!  But look what happened on today’s stock market open, the correlation went positive again.  USD/JPY and stocks began moving together.  Yen became the “flight to safety”!

Source: Tradingview, FOREX.com

As we noted earlier, 110.30/50  is a support zone, which was prior highs (now acting as support), and the downward sloping trendline from the long-term symmetrical triangle.  Price traded down there and was bought.  Below that support is at 110.00, some horizontal support at 109.30, then way down at the February 3rd lows, the 200 Day Moving Average and the upward sloping trendline channel support from later August, all around 108.30/50.  If stocks keep moving lower these are the levels to watch.  However, if the correlation between stocks and USD/JPY becomes negative again, all bets are off the table. 

Source: Tradingview, FOREX.com

But where will the carnage end for stocks?  The S&P 500 and the Down Jones are both down over 3.25%! Where can the S&P 500 stop (or at least pause)?  There is horizontal support at today’s lows from January 31st at 3222.  In addition, the RSI on the 240-minute is at extreme oversold (below 20), so we may see a “bounce” soon.  The next level is 3193.25, which is the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level from the low on October 3rd to the highs on February 19th.   Below that is horizontal support near 3150, then the 50% retracement level from the same time period at 3129.25.   Resistance is 100 handles higher at the gap open near 3330.

Source: Tradingview, FOREX.com

Although the coronavirus appears to be spreading and things look bad for global growth, keep in mind that stocks have been bought on dips over the last 10 years.  Don’t be surprised to see a bounce or reversal soon.  However,  this time it may be the bounce to sell into!


The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.

Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.

Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available to US residents.

FOREX.com is a trading name of GAIN Capital - FOREX.com Canada Limited, 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. GAIN Capital – FOREX.com Canada Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stonex Group Inc.

Complaints are taken very seriously at FOREX.com. You can view our complaints procedure here.

Know your advisor

© FOREX.COM 2024