GBP/JPY is above 163.00 as investors anticipate BOJ and BOE monetary policy decisions

The British pound to Japanese yen exchange rate has been all over the place throughout the Tokyo trading session, hovering between 163.12 and 163.34. The asset has continued its baffling weeklong price swing. Investors are trying to gather as much information as possible before making a decision, which is leading the cross to drift sideways before the results of the BOJ and BoE monetary policy meetings (BOE).

The weakening yen is a worry for the Japanese economy since it necessitates the shutdown or reduction of manufacturing capacity that relies heavily on global imports. Since this is the case, the Bank of Japan will have to take a stand of neutrality and refrain from pumping more money into the economy. The case for switching to a 'neutral' policy is bolstered by the fact that Japanese officials believe the yen's current value does not reflect its fundamentals and are prepared to intervene in FX fluctuations.

Japan's markets are closed today in observance of Respect for the Aged Day, while British markets are also closed today in observance of the Bank Holiday. In light of this, the cross's expected performance is middling at best.

UK inflation figures reported last week will aid the BOE, but it won't be enough to prevent an interest rate hike. The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the United Kingdom came in at 9.9% less than the expected 10.2%, despite rising energy prices. Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, is expected to announce a rate increase of 50 basis points (bps).

The BOE won't soften its aggressive position in response to a one-time drop in inflation. A shift in policy strategy will be warranted by a string of declining inflation rates.