AUD/JPY bulls cheer China-inspired optimism; Japan data near 89.50 are mixed

The AUD/JPY pair creeps higher around 89.50 as bulls capitalize on the cautious Christmas market optimism. In doing so, despite the most recent dip, the cross-currency pair extends Friday's gains to hit weekly highs.

Nonetheless, the price increase may be linked to the risk-on market mentality, which was mostly driven by China, as well as lowering expectations of hawkish actions by the Bank of Japan (BOJ).

As on January 8, China no longer requires inbound travelers to undergo COVID quarantine. In addition to geopolitical concerns from Russia and North Korea, the news contributed to the market's cautious optimism. S&P 500 Futures advance intraday by 0.60 percent to 3,892, while 10-year US Treasury rates remain slow at roughly 3.74% as of press time.

After the central bank adjusted monetary policy last week, Governor Haruhiko Kuroda and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and Prime Minister of Japan (PM) Fumio Kishida, respectively, attempted to calm hawkish expectations. According to Kuroda of the BOJ, however, the broadening of the yield band is not a forerunner to an easy policy exit. In a similar spirit, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida ruled out the BOJ and government amending the central bank statement.

In terms of the facts, Japan's Unemployment Rate declined to 3.5% in November compared to the 3.6% predicted previously, while the Jobs / Applicants Ratio for the same month was 1.35 compared to the market prediction of 1.35. In addition, year-over-year growth in Retail Trade fell to 2.6% from 2.8% anticipated and 4.0% earlier.

A quiet schedule ahead of Saturday's official China PMIs and year-end market inaction will restrict AUD/JPY movement moving forward.