USDJPY, Gold, Silver Outlook: Dollar Pulls Back on Moody’s Downgrade, Havens Strengthen

May 19, 2025 04:53

Key Events to Watch

  • Moody’s downgrades US government credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, triggering bearish sentiment in the US Dollar and equity indices
  • Silver extends 1-month consolidation as gold holds its bullish rebound and tech sector optimism resurfaces
  • DXY drops toward the lower end of the 100 zone; USDJPY pulls back toward 144; gold stabilizes above $3,200

Dollar Drops on Moody’s Downgrade, Havens Rise

Although US debt concerns have lingered through successive administrations, recent soft economic data—reminiscent of the 2008 and 2020 crises—coupled with Moody’s downgrade of the US credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, have spurred risk-off sentiment.

Meanwhile, US 30-Year Treasury Yields surged toward the psychological 5% level.As markets move in anticipation mode, haven assets are gaining traction. Bitcoin is trading near record highs, and gold has reclaimed ground above the $3,200 level.

Market focus may soon return to the Trump administration’s economic promises—particularly on spending cuts and growth—unless renewed trade tensions reignite risk aversion.

USDJPY Outlook: 3-Day Time Frame – Log Scale

Source: Tradingview

On the 3-day chart, USDJPY pulled back from the neutral 50 RSI mark, aligned with the resistance zone near the December 2024 lows at 148.65. The pair is currently under pressure from increased Yen demand and broad Dollar weakness.Key support levels to watch are 143.50, 142.30, and 140.

A rebound above the 147 level could revive upward momentum toward 149 and 151.

Silver Outlook: Consolidation Continues Amid Tech and Haven Hype

Despite Nasdaq’s recent 400-point pullback from the 21,446 high, silver has extended its one-month consolidation, with momentum and price action suggesting the calm before the breakout. The intersection of haven demand and renewed interest in tech-sector investments—particularly around AI—could reestablish silver as a preferred alternative asset.

Silver Outlook: Daily Time Frame – Log Scale

Source: Tradingview

From a daily time frame perspective, Silver is consolidating both in price and momentum. A decisive close above the $33 level could pave the way toward $33.70, $34.30, and $35. On the downside, a break below $31.60 could trigger losses toward $31, $30.30, and $29.50.

Gold Outlook: Bullish Structure Holding Near Key Trendline

While Bitcoin approaches record highs, gold is holding above the $3,200 level, supported by a key trendline connecting higher lows from December 2024 to April 2025. This trendline currently anchors support at $3,120.On the 4-hour chart, momentum is tilted to the upside above neutral. On the daily chart, momentum remains near neutral—reflecting a neutral-to-bullish bias. This supports the case for renewed demand in gold amid economic concerns and Dollar weakness near 3-year lows.

Gold Outlook: Daily Time Frame – Log Scale

Source: Tradingview

If gold maintains its rebound above $3,200 and breaks above the $3,260 resistance, bullish momentum may resume toward $3,300, $3,360, $3,430, and $3,500. A further breakout could set the stage for a run toward record highs at $3,700 and $4,000.On the downside, failure to hold $3,200 or $3,120 could open the door to a deeper correction toward $3,060 and $2,960.

Written by Razan Hilal, CMT

Follow on X: @Rh_waves