The USD/JPY pair has continued to climb, reaching 160.89, up 0.08%, buoyed by strong US economic data and rising Treasury yields. The technical analysis of the pair shows that buyer momentum remains strong, despite the Relative Strength Index (RSI) being overbought but not at extreme levels. Resistance levels for the USD/JPY are seen at 161.00, 162.00, a November 1986 high of 164.87, and an April 1986 high of 178. On the other hand, support levels are found at 159.19 (Tenkan-Sen), 158.75 (June 24 low), 158.65 (Senkou Span A), and 157.91 (Kijun-Sen).
The USD/JPY uptrend continues to hold, with traders being cautious after the pair surpassed the psychological level of 160.00. This level is seen as a point where Japanese authorities may consider intervening in the FX markets to prevent further appreciation of the currency. However, the pair has maintained its upward momentum, increasing the risks of intervention. The momentum remains in favor of buyers, despite the RSI being overbought. Many technicians consider 80 as the level for “extreme” overextension, indicating the strength of the uptrend.
In terms of resistance levels for the USD/JPY, key levels to watch include psychological marks at 161.00 and 162.00, leading up to the November 1986 high of 164.87. Beyond that, the pair faces a significant resistance at the April 1986 high of 178. If the USD/JPY were to drop below 160.00, the first support level would be the Tenkan-Sen at 159.19, followed by the June 24 low of 158.75. Further support can be found at the Senkou Span A at 158.65 and the Kijun-Sen at 157.91.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is a highly traded currency, influenced by various factors such as the performance of the Japanese economy, the Bank of Japan’s policy decisions, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, and risk sentiment among traders. The Bank of Japan plays a crucial role in controlling the value of the Yen and has intervened in currency markets to lower the currency’s value in the past. The BoJ’s ultra-loose monetary policy and massive stimulus measures have led to a depreciation of the Yen against major currency peers, especially due to increasing policy divergence between central banks.
The policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other central banks, such as the US Federal Reserve, has widened the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bond yields, favoring the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The Japanese Yen is often considered a safe-haven investment during times of market stress, as investors tend to seek the currency for its perceived stability and reliability. This influx of investment in the Yen during turbulent times can strengthen its value against riskier currencies.