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After the fall since the Japan snap election result last week, the pair is caught in a bit of a tight spot with price action ranging in between 152.50 to 153.80 for the most part. While intervention risks remain heightened, there’s still no strong conviction to be turning bullish on the Japanese yen at this stage.As such, that’s leaving for some mixed feelings about USD/JPY in the short-term. That even as the dollar remains rather vulnerable overall in the major currencies space.So, what’s next for USD/JPY as we look to the second-half of February trading?BofA chimes in with a note saying that:”With the general election now out of the way, the market’s focus for USD/JPY shifts squarely to the prospect of FX intervention. Our intervention watch‑zone remains unchanged at 157-160. While intervention concerns are likely to cap upside in USD/JPY, structural yen‑selling flows mean such caution alone is unlikely to halt depreciation, and the probability of actual FX intervention remains high.”In looking at the more structural outlook, the firm notes that the yen remains unfavourable even if there are some supportive elements in the short-term:”Over the longer term, yen‑weakening risks remain firmly in place. But in the near term, the combination of potential intervention and scope for the market to further price in BOJ hikes at the March and April meetings skews the risk‑reward for USD/JPY to the downside. Ahead of the fiscal year‑end, current spot levels offer Japanese corporates a reasonably attractive opportunity to add to their yen‑buying hedge positions.”Similarly, ANZ also argues for dip-buying in USD/JPY on potential opportunities moving forward:”We view levels below 152 as a good entry point for new USD/JPY long positions. While OIS pricing indicates nearly 60 bps of hikes from the BOJ this year, measures such as energy subsidies and the consumption tax are expected to moderate inflation, reducing the need for aggressive tightening. As expectations for further hikes diminish, the yen will likely weaken.The carry for USD/JPY remains attractive, particularly as the USD is likely to stay firm in February on seasonal drivers and positive economic data.”
This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.
💡 DMK Insight
The USD/JPY is stuck in a tight range, and here’s why that matters: With price action oscillating between 152.50 and 153.80, traders should be cautious. The lack of strong bullish conviction suggests that any breakout could be met with significant resistance. The recent snap election in Japan has added to the uncertainty, and intervention risks are still looming. If the pair breaks below 152.50, it could signal a deeper bearish trend, while a move above 153.80 might invite fresh buying interest. Keep an eye on these levels as they could dictate short-term trading strategies. Moreover, the broader market context shows that the USD is facing mixed signals from economic indicators, which could further complicate the outlook for USD/JPY. If U.S. economic data continues to show strength, it might provide the necessary push for the dollar, but any signs of weakness could lead to a swift reversal. Watch for upcoming U.S. economic releases that could impact the dollar’s strength and, consequently, the USD/JPY pair.
📮 Takeaway
Monitor the 152.50 and 153.80 levels closely; a breakout in either direction could set the tone for your trading strategy.
