+78,020 USD – “Awaiting BOJ & FOMC Decisions: What’s Next for USD/JPY?”
For the week of March 10 – March 14, my trading results totaled +78,020 USD.
📊 Forex Market Outlook for the Week of March 17, 2025 – Focus on FOMC & BOJ Meetings!
This upcoming week is crucial as both the Bank of Japan (BOJ) Monetary Policy Meeting and the FOMC will take place.
The market will closely watch comments regarding the timing of the Fed’s rate cuts and BOJ’s potential rate hikes, which will influence overall market direction.
Additionally, Trump’s tariff policies remain a key market risk factor.
📈 USD/JPY
Market Direction: Influenced by US tariff policies and stock market trends.
📌 Key Events:
- March 18-19: BOJ Monetary Policy Meeting & FOMC
- BOJ: With spring wage negotiations supporting wage hikes, the market is increasingly pricing in a potential rate hike in June. BOJ Governor Ueda’s remarks will be pivotal for the yen.
- FOMC: The market expects three rate cuts this year, but Fed Chair Powell’s comments may adjust these expectations.
- US Tariff Policy: Additional Trump administration tariffs could drive risk-off sentiment, leading to JPY appreciation.
📉 Expected Range: 146.00 – 150.00
📉 EUR/USD
Market Direction: Supported by Germany’s fiscal expansion, but Ukraine conflict could limit upside.
📌 Key Events:
- Germany’s fiscal expansion: Ongoing negotiations with the Green Party could support the euro.
- Ukraine peace talks:
- Progress → EUR buying
- Stalemate → Risk-off sentiment, EUR selling
- March 18: German ZEW Economic Sentiment Index (leading indicator of German economy)
- March 19: Eurozone February CPI (HICP) final reading
📉 Expected Range: 1.0750 – 1.0900
📈 GBP/JPY
Market Direction: BOE MPC minutes in focus; also impacted by US tariffs.
📌 Key Events:
- March 20: BOE (Bank of England) MPC
- The policy rate is expected to remain at 4.50%, but markets will focus on MPC minutes for insights on the future pace of rate cuts.
- UK-US trade negotiations:
- The UK government has avoided retaliatory tariffs—market reaction remains uncertain.
📉 Expected Range: 188.50 – 192.00
📈 CAD/JPY
Market Direction: Impacted by tariff issues and inflation data.
📌 Key Events:
- March 18: Canada February CPI
- The key focus is whether inflation falls below the BOC’s 2% target or rises due to tariff effects.
- New Canadian Prime Minister:
- Mark Carney, former BOC Governor, will take office on March 14.
- His negotiation stance with the Trump administration could impact the Canadian market.
📉 Expected Range: 106.00 – 109.50
📈 AUD/JPY
Market Direction: RBA monetary policy & US tariffs will drive movement.
📌 Key Events:
- March 20: Australia February Employment Report
- Could provide clues on whether the RBA will move toward further easing.
- US Tariff Policy:
- Trump’s tariff policies may impact commodity-exporting economies, including Australia.
📉 Expected Range: 95.00 – 98.00
📉 ZAR/JPY (South African Rand)
Market Direction: SARB monetary policy & budget negotiations will be key.
📌 Key Events:
- March 19: South Africa February CPI
- March 20: SARB Monetary Policy Committee Meeting (MPC)
- Market expectation: Rate cut from 7.50% to 7.25%, though some analysts predict a hold.
- Budget negotiations:
- Political instability over VAT (Value-Added Tax) increase could lead to ZAR selling pressure.
📉 Expected Range: 7.70 – 8.30
📆 Key Economic Events This Week
📌 March 18:
- Germany ZEW Economic Sentiment Index
- Canada February CPI
📌 March 19:
- BOJ Monetary Policy Meeting
- FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee)
- Eurozone February CPI (HICP) final reading
- South Africa February CPI
📌 March 20:
- BOE MPC Meeting
- Australia February Employment Report
- SARB (South African Reserve Bank) MPC Meeting
📌 Summary & Trading Strategy
- USD: FOMC rate cut outlook is a key market driver.
- EUR: Supported by German fiscal expansion but dependent on Ukraine developments.
- GBP: Focus on BOE MPC minutes and rate cut pace.
- CAD: Market eyes tariff disputes and new Prime Minister’s policies.
- AUD: Employment report and RBA’s monetary policy stance are in focus.
- ZAR: SARB rate decision and budget negotiations will impact movement.
📉 With BOJ & FOMC decisions ahead, both the yen and US dollar could see major moves! Plan your entries strategically! 💹
Final Thoughts
This week’s market was highly volatile, particularly with movements in the US dollar impacting major currency pairs.
During such high-volatility periods, traders must rely on calm decision-making and solid risk management strategies.
In this week’s final thoughts, let’s touch on something unusual but critical for trading performance: the relationship between diet and focus. Specifically, let’s examine which type of rice is best for sustained energy levels.
How to Choose the Best Rice for Trading Endurance
Rice is a staple food worldwide, and many traders consume it daily. However, different types of rice offer varying nutritional benefits, which can impact focus and sustained energy during trading hours.
🍚 Key Types of Rice & Their Benefits
✅ Brown Rice
- High in fiber and protein, keeping you full longer.
- Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties for overall health.
✅ Black Rice
- Rich in anthocyanins, which have the highest antioxidant levels among rice types.
- May improve blood circulation and brain function, enhancing focus.
✅ Red Rice
- Contains polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation.
- Supports endurance and sustained energy, ideal for long trading sessions.
✅ Wild Rice
- High in B vitamins & magnesium, essential for nerve function.
- May help reduce stress levels during intense trading periods.
✅ White Rice
- Easiest to digest, providing quick energy but fewer nutrients.
- Low in arsenic, making it a safe choice for regular consumption.
💡 The Best Diet for Trading Performance
To maintain high focus and steady energy levels, it’s essential to avoid blood sugar spikes and ensure slow, sustained energy release.
Here are some ideal meal combinations for traders:
🔹 Brown Rice + Grilled Chicken + Avocado (Balanced energy + healthy fats)
🔹 Black Rice + Salmon + Broccoli (Brain boost + antioxidants)
🔹 Red Rice + Tofu + Nuts (Endurance + anti-inflammatory benefits)
Conclusion
Success in trading requires mental clarity, endurance, and sharp decision-making.
By choosing the right foods, you can optimize energy levels and maintain focus for longer trading sessions.
📌 Your diet is an invisible trading weapon—stay in top condition and take on the market with confidence! 🚀
