EUR/JPY holds losses near 187.00 ahead of ECB policy decision
Finance EUR/JPY holds losses near 187.00 ahead of ECB policy decision EUR/JPY edges lower after four days of gains, trading around 187.20 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The currency cross depreciates as the risk-sensitive Euro (EUR) struggles amid increased risk aversion, which could be attributed to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade on Iran will continue until a nuclear deal is secured, dismissing calls to reopen key routes and favoring economic pressure over military action. Iran warned of retaliation, accusing Washington of using coercion and destabilization tactics to force compliance. The European Central Bank (ECB) is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged on Thursday, in line with many global peers this week, while signaling that a rate hike, possibly as early as June, may be necessary to counter an energy-driven surge in consumer prices. Any delay in tightening is likely to be brief, with investors anticipating a move in June followed by two additional hikes later this year, as fading prospects for peace in Iran keep oil prices elevated and nearing levels outlined in the ECBs “adverse” scenario, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, downside pressure on EUR/JPY may be limited as the Japanese Yen (JPY) remains