USD/JPY surged post-FOMC with the bulls charging towards a major pivot-zone at uptrend resistance. Battle lines drawn on the USD/JPY weekly technical chart.
By : Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist
Japanese Yen Technical Forecast: USD/JPY Weekly / Daily Trade Levels
- USD/JPY post-FOMC breakout extends more than 6.1% off December low
- USD/JPY bulls testing major pivot zone at uptrend resistance- US Core PCE on tap tomorrow
- Resistance 157.16/89 (key), ~159.50s, 160.40/73- Support 151.90-152, ~151.16, 148.73-149.60 (key)
The Japanese Yen is poised to mark a third consecutive weekly decline against the US Dollar with USD/JPY surging to fresh multi-month highs on the back of the Fed rate decision. The rally takes price into a critical pivot zone and while the broader outlook remains constructive, we’re looking for possible inflection here in the days ahead. Battle lines drawn on the USD/JPY weekly technical chart into the close of the year.
Japanese Yen Price Chart – USD/JPY Weekly
Chart Prepared by Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist; USD/JPY on TradingView
Technical Outlook: In last month’s Japanese Yen Technical Forecast we highlighted potential for a larger correction within the September uptrend in USD/JPY while noting that, “From a trading standpoint, look to reduce short-exposure / lower protective stops on a stretch towards 150 IF reached. Ultimately, we are looking for an exhaustion low ahead of 148 for the September rally to remain viable with a breach / close above 154.34 needed to mark uptrend resumption.” Price plunged nearly 5.2% off the November highs with USD/JPY registering an intraday low at 148.64 into the monthly open before rebounding.
The US Dollar is now poised to mark a third consecutive weekly advance with the recovery extending more than 6.1% off the December low on the heels of the FOMC rate decision. The rally takes USD/JPY towards a major resistance hurdle just higher at 157.17/89- a region defined by the 78.6% retracement of the yearly range and the July breakdown close. Note that the 2020 parallel converges on this zone over the next few weeks and further highlight the technical significance of this threshold.
Initial weekly support now rests back at the 1986 low / 1998 & 2022 high at 151.90-152 and is backed closely by the 52-week moving average (currently ~151.16). Broader bullish invalidation now raised to the 2022 high-close / 2023 high-week close (HWC) at 148.73-149.60- a break / close below this threshold would suggest a more significant high is in place / a larger reversal is underway. Ultimately, a break below the 61.8% retracement at 146.29 would be needed to put the bears in control.
A topside breach / close above this key pivot zone exposes subsequent resistance objectives at the upper parallel (blue slope near 159.50s) and the 1990 high / 2024 HWC at 160.40/73. Ultimately, a close above the swing highs at 161.95 would be needed to fuel the next major leg of the multi-year uptrend in USD/JPY (look for a larger reaction there IF reached).
Click the website link below to get our exclusive Guide to USD/JPY trading in Q4 2024.
Bottom line: The USD/JPY rally is now approaching major technical resistance, and the focus is on possible inflection into this threshold. From a trading standpoint, look to reduce portions of long-exposure / raise protective stops on a test of 157.16/89- losses should be limited to 152 IF price is heading higher on this stretch with a close above this pivot zone needed to mark resumption of the September uptrend.
Keep in mind we get the release of key US inflation data tomorrow with the Consumer Price Expenditure (PCE) expected to show a slight uptick to 2.9% y/y in November. Stay nimble into the release watch the weekly close here for guidance. Review my latest Japanese Yen Short-term Outlook for a closer look at the near-term USD/JPY technical trade levels.
USD/JPY Key Economic Data Releases
Economic Calendar - latest economic developments and upcoming event risk.
Active Weekly Technical Charts
- Canadian Dollar (USD/CAD)
- British Pound (GBP/USD)
- Australian Dollar (AUD/USD)
- Swiss Franc (USD/CHF)
- US Dollar Index (DXY)
- Euro (EUR/USD)
- Gold (XAU/USD)
- Crude Oil (WTI)
— Written by Michael Boutros, Sr Technical Strategist
Follow Michael on X @MBForex
From time to time, StoneX Financial Pty Ltd (“we”, “our”) website may contain links to other sites and/or resources provided by third parties. These links and/or resources are provided for your information only and we have no control over the contents of those materials, and in no way endorse their content. Any analysis, opinion, commentary or research-based material on our website is for information and educational purposes only and is not, in any circumstances, intended to be an offer, recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell. You should always seek independent advice as to your suitability to speculate in any related markets and your ability to assume the associated risks, if you are at all unsure. No representation or warranty is made, express or implied, that the materials on our website are complete or accurate. We are not under any obligation to update any such material.
As such, we (and/or our associated companies) will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage incurred by you or any third party arising out of, or in connection with, any use of the information on our website (other than with regards to any duty or liability that we are unable to limit or exclude by law or under the applicable regulatory system) and any such liability is hereby expressly disclaimed.