The US Unemployment Claims, a key indicator, is released weekly. It measures the number of people who filed for unemployment for the first time during the previous week. A reading which is higher than the market forecast is bearish for the dollar.
Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for USD/JPY.
Published on Thursday at 12:30 GMT.
Indicator Background
Unemployment claims is important economic indicator of consumer confidence in the economy. It helps measure future spending behavior, as more jobs leads to increased spending. In turn, an increase in consumer spending sends a strong signal that the economy is healthy and growing.
The previous release came in at 377 thousand unemployed people, slightly below the market forecast of 381K. The forecast for this week is almost unchanged, with an estimate of 378K.
Sentiments and levels
We may continue to some relative stability in the currency markets until the Greek elections on Sunday. Adding the lack of QE, in the US,at least for now, and the Japanese will to weaken the local currency, there are better chances that the yen will fall. So, the sentiment is neutral on USD/JPY towards this release.
Technical levels, from top to bottom: 81.43, 80.20, 80, 79.60, 79 and 78.30.
5 Scenarios
- Within expectations: 372K to 384K : In such a case, USD/JPY is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
- Above expectations: 365K to 371K: An unexpected lower reading can send the pair above one resistance line.
- Well above expectations: Below 365K: Strong employment numbers would be bullish for the dollar. Two or more lines of resistance might be broken on such an outcome.
- Below expectations: 384K to 390K: A poor reading could push USD/JPY lower, and one support level could be broken.
- Well below expectations: Above 390K. In this scenario, the pair could break below two or more support levels.
For more on the yen, see the USD/JPY.