USD/JPY gains momentum above the 147.30 mark following Japanese GDP data

• USD/JPY edges higher to 147.36 following the weaker Japanese growth numbers.
• Japanese Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Q2 came in at 1.2% QoQ vs.1.5% prior, worse-than-expected at 1.3%.
• US Initial Jobless Claims totaled 216,000 last week, better than 234,000 expected.

The USD/JPY pair gains traction after retracing from the multi-month high of 147.87 during the early Asian session on Friday. The pair currently trades near 147.36, up 0.04% on the day.

The latest data released by the Japanese Cabinet Office revealed that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter came in at 1.2% QoQ from 1.5% in the previous reading and worse-than-expected at 1.3%. On an annual basis, the growth number grew 4.8% versus 6% prior and missed the market consensus of 5.5%. Meanwhile, Gross Domestic Product Deflator Q2 came in at 3.5% YoY from the previous reading of 3.4%. Finally, the Japanese Labor Cash Earnings for July rose 1.3% YoY versus 2.3% prior.

Bank of Japan (BoJ) policymaker Junko Nakagawa stated on Thursday that it is appropriate to maintain an easy monetary policy for the time being. He added that Japan has not yet attained the BoJ's price target stably. It's worth noting that the monetary policy divergence between the US and Japan might cap the upside of the Japanese Yen and act as a tailwind for USD/JPY for the time being.

Additionally, Japan’s top currency diplomat Masato Kanda stated a willingness to closely monitor FX movements with a sense of urgency and added that all options are available.

Across the pond, the US Initial Jobless Claims totaled 216,000 in the week ending September 2. This figure came in better than the market expectation of 234,000 and followed the previous week's revised figure of 229,000 (from 228,000), the US Department of Labor reported on Thursday. Meanwhile, Nonfarm Productivity increased by 3.5%, below the 3.8% market estimation and revised from the first estimate of 3.7%. Following the data, the US dollar Index (DXY), a measure of the value of the USD relative to a basket of foreign currencies, gained momentum to the highest level since early March above the 105.00 mark.

Apart from the data, New York Federal Reserve (Fed) President John Williams stated that inflation is heading in the right direction. He added that he requires more information before making a decision. , Chicago’s Fed President Austan Goolsbee said the Fed may achieve the golden path, where inflation erases but a recession is avoided. Last week, the Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Christopher Waller said that there is further room to increase interest rates, but the data will determine whether the Fed needs to hike rates again and if it is done hiking rates.

Looking ahead, the Japanese Eco Watchers Survey for August will be due later on Friday. Also, the US Wholesales Inventories for July and Consumer Credit Change will be released in the North American session on the same day. However, the risk sentiment and the headlines surrounding BoJ intervention will be closely watched by traders.