|

USD/JPY: Something for both the bears and the bulls

  • USD/JPY is a mixed bag of fundamentals and technicals which make it a less favourable trade set up.
  • There are arguments from both sides of the equation, but bulls will need to defeat a looming weekly resistance to convince additional bids.
  • The bears will need to see signs of exhaustion and a trigger to short below said resistance. 

USD/JPY is at an interesting crossroad where it meets a weekly resistance structure and bears line up for a run back to test daily support.

At the same time, the US dollar has picked up a bid following a 4HR support structure playing out. 

The dollar bulls, however, may need to mind their stamped doesn't bolt too soon as there will be plenty of supply to conquer yet to come.

A moderate rise in real yields is hardly the basis for a full-blown resurgence in the dollar.

After all, lower real rates are the central bank lever to support the recovery and compensate for supply, so it's a theme that is not going to vanish anytime soon. 

Instead, it can be expected to see lower yields, more QE and dovish Federal Reserve forward guidance this autumn. 

The trade war demand for the greenback could come undone also. 

White House economic advisor Kudlow said China was fulfilling its trade deal commitments on agricultural purchases, an encouraging tone ahead of the formal high-level review due Saturday.

The following downside forecast is only as valid as there is some further upside into resistance prior to scanning the 4HR charts for a short entry for a lower risk to reward set-up:

DXY 4HR chart, double bottom

There is going to be some short term pain for the bears banking on a smooth ride all the way to 100 in the yen.

USD/JPY monthly support

Still, the downside is also limited by the monthly support.

USD/JPY weekly resistance

However, the weekly resistance is likely a hurdle in the coming days which could equate to a test back to the downside if the US dollar buckles. 

USD/JPY daily support target

Expect the W-formation's prior resistance to draw in the price like a magnet and hold initial tests. 

Author

Ross J Burland

Ross J Burland, born in England, UK, is a sportsman at heart. He played Rugby and Judo for his county, Kent and the South East of England Rugby team.

More from Ross J Burland
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD recovers to 1.1750 region as 2025 draws to a close

Following the bearish action seen in the European session on Wednesday, EUR/USD regains its traction and recovery to the 1.1750 region. Nevertheless, the pair's volatility remains low as trading conditions thin out on the last day of the year.

GBP/USD stays weak near 1.3450 on modest USD recovery

GBP/USD remains under modest beairsh pressure and fluctuates at around 1.3450 on Wednesday. The US Dollar finds fresh demand due to the end-of-the-year position adjustments, weighing on the pair amid the pre-New Year trading lull. 

Gold climbs to near $4,350 on Fed rate cut bets, geopolitical risks

Gold price rises to near $4,345 during the early Asian session on Friday. Gold finished 2025 with a significant rally, achieving an annual gain of around 65%, its biggest annual gain since 1979. The rally of the precious metal is bolstered by the prospect of further US interest rate cuts in 2026 and safe-haven flows.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prepare for a potential New Year rebound

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are holding steady on Wednesday after recording minor gains on the previous day. Technically, Bitcoin could extend gains within a triangle pattern while Ethereum and Ripple face critical overhead resistance. 

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).