COMMENT-Are FX option trade flows predicting USD/JPY outlook?

Given their forward-looking nature, price action in FX options can often be a bellwether for broader FX market sentiment and expectations and USD/JPY options have seen a particular theme emerging of late.

There's been increased demand for longer-dated expiry options, particularly 9-month through 1-year, with downside strikes between 145.00 and 135.00. While there are many reasons for certain trading patterns to emerge, ones that evolve over time and involve different types of option users, including corporate names, will often highlight hedging patterns.

If the U.S Federal Reserve stays on course to cut rates twice this year and the BoJ meets expectations to taper bond buying and raise rates, then there is good reason to expect the JPY to recover and USD/JPY to trade toward those lower strikes over the next year.

USD/JPY is currently threatening the multi-year high at 160.24 that prompted official intervention on April 29. However, the most recent ascent has been slower and less volatile and that's recognised by FX option pricing. The market is pricing far less USD/JPY downside risk premium than it was before April's intervention and appears more concerned with short-term topside volatility risk.