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 ECB’s “adverse” scenario, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, downside pressure on EUR/JPY may be limited as the Japanese Yen (JPY) remains under strain, with traders increasingly building short positions on expectations that neither further rate hikes nor official intervention will offer meaningful near-term support.

Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda reaffirmed the central bank’s gradual tightening stance, though the yen continued to weaken. Verbal interventions from policymakers have also had limited impact, with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stating that authorities remain ready to step into foreign exchange markets at any time to stabilize the currency.