|

USD/JPY: Chance for USD to test 148.80 – UOB Group

There is a chance for USD to test 148.80; a sustained break above this level seems unlikely. In the longer run, rapid increase in momentum indicates USD could above 148.80, potentially reaching 149.20, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.

Above 148.80, USD can potentially reach 149.20

24-HOUR VIEW: "Two days ago, USD dropped to a low of 146.85 and closed at 147.32. Yesterday, we noted that 'there is no clear increase in downward momentum,' and we expected USD to 'trade in a range between 146.90 and 147.90.' We did not expect the sharp rise in USD that sent it to a high of 148.40. This time around, there is a clear increase in upward momentum. Today, there is a chance for USD to test 148.80. Given that conditions are quickly reaching overbought levels, a sustained break above this level seems unlikely. To maintain the rapid momentum buildup, USD must hold above 147.70, with minor support at 148.00."

1-3 WEEKS VIEW: "We have expected USD to trade in a range since last Friday (15 Aug, spot at 147.15). Yesterday (21 Aug, spot at 147.45), we stated that 'while we continue to expect range-trading, a narrower range of 146.50/148.50 is likely enough to contain the price movements for now.' We did not expect the sharp rise in USD to 148.40. Although the 148.50 level has not been breached yet, the rapid increase in short-term upward momentum indicates USD could above 148.80, potentially reaching 149.20. To sustain the rapid increase in momentum, USD must hold above 147.35 (‘strong support’ level)."

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Editor's Picks

AUD/USD bulls seem hesitant below 0.7050 ahead of RBA on Tuesday

AUD/USD reverses an Asian session dip on Monday as renewed optimism over Iran diplomacy boosts investor confidence, keeping a lid on the safe-haven US Dollar and supporting the risk-sensitive Aussie. Spot prices, however, remain below the one-month high, touched last Thursday, as bulls wait for the crucial RBA decision before taking fresh positions.



USD/JPY climbs to 158.00 neighborhood as BoJ uncertainty weighs on the JPY

The USD/JPY pair gains some positive traction at the start of a new week, recovering further from Friday's post-Bank of Japan (BoJ) swing low to sub-157.00 levels. The momentum lifts spot prices to the 158.00 neighborhood during the Asian session and seems unaffected by fresh intervention warning from Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama.

Gold recovers on positive US-Iran headlines

Gold extends its recovery during American trading hours on Monday, supported by falling Oil prices following positive headlines on US-Iran talks. The metal regains ground after hitting a fresh yearly low of $3,870 on Friday and ending October down 6.87%. However, the rebound lacks conviction as the fundamental backdrop continues to raise doubts over a sustained recovery.

Bitcoin braces for US midterm elections as historical sell-offs revive downside concerns
Bitcoin (BTC) braces for the impact of the US midterm elections, just a week after the $6 billion hack from Binance. Historically, congressional elections have negatively affected not just the president’s party but also Bitcoin. In the last 22 midterms, the ruling party has gained House seats only twice, while the three most recent elections coincided with Bitcoin’s bear market bottoms.
Why strong US growth could not stop the bond rally and AI selloff

The US economy grew at a 3.4% annual rate, yet Treasury yields fell and the Nasdaq ended October with its worst monthly performance since March 2025. The market is no longer rewarding capital expenditure simply because it supports growth. Investors are testing whether that expenditure can produce cash flow and returns above the cost of capital.



The 2% inflation target came from a throwaway remark. It now moves trillions
The Federal Reserve's 2% inflation goal grew out of an off-the-cuff remark by a New Zealand politician in 1988. Bond investors still price long-term US debt as if 2% holds, so a change in how the Fed measures inflation would move markets.