empty
 
 
18.12.2024 02:27 PM
USD/JPY: Analysis and Forecast

This image is no longer relevant

During the Asian session, the Japanese yen managed to modestly recover its earlier losses.However, sustained growth of the Far East currency is uncertain, especially as the Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its interest rates at current levels later this week. Additionally, the recent rise in US Treasury yields, fueled by expectations that the Federal Reserve will take a more cautious stance on rate cuts, is likely to limit the yen's appreciation.

Persistent geopolitical risks, fears of a trade war, and cautious market sentiment continue to provide support for the safe-haven Japanese currency.

Traders are advised to refrain from opening aggressive directional positions ahead of key central bank events. These include the outcomes of the highly anticipated two-day FOMC meeting to be released today and the Bank of Japan's decision on Thursday. Nonetheless, the fundamental backdrop remains tilted in favor of yen bears.

The emergence of some buying interest near the recent breakout above the critical 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) bodes well for bulls. Moreover, oscillators on the daily chart are gaining positive momentum and remain far from overbought territory, indicating that the path of least resistance for USD/JPY lies to the upside.

Further upward movement, however, will face resistance near the 154.00 psychological level, followed by the 154.45–154.50 level, which marks a three-week high reached on Monday. A sustained move beyond this area could pave the way for a recovery toward the 155.00 psychological level. The bullish momentum may extend further to the next significant hurdle around 155.50, heading toward another key resistance at 156.00 and the supply zone near 156.25.

On the other hand, the 153.15 level, representing the overnight low during the US session, provides immediate support against a pullback. A further decline below the 153.00 psychological level could pull USD/JPY back toward the 200-day SMA support near 152.15. Failure to defend these levels would shift the bias in favor of bears, making prices vulnerable to an accelerated decline toward the 151.00 level, with a potential test of the 150.00 psychological threshold.

This image is no longer relevant

Irina Yanina,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2024
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $6000 more!
    In December we raffle $6000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 100% Bonus
    Your unique opportunity to get a 100% bonus on your deposit
    GET BONUS
  • 55% Bonus
    Apply for a 55% bonus on your every deposit
    GET BONUS
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS

Recommended Stories

Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback