|

USD/JPY: Short squeeze soon? – OCBC

USD/JPY dipped this morning. Safe-haven demand was the main catalyst while UST-JGB yield differentials also narrowed. Pair was last at 144.74 levels, OCBC's FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note, OCBC's FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note.

Risk of short squeeze in USD/JPY is not ruled out

"Daily momentum is mild bearish while RSI fell. Risks skewed to the downside. Support at 144.10 levels. Resistance at 147, 148.75 (21 DMA) and 150.30 (50 DMA). But as UST yields rise, we are also cautious that USD/JPY may revert to trading higher. Risk of short squeeze in USD/JPY is not ruled out."

"But beyond this, we still look for USD/JPY to trend lower, premised on safe-haven flow and Fed- BoJ policy divergence (Fed rate cut cycle while the BoJ has room to further pursue policy normalisation)."

"Wage growth, broadening services inflation and upbeat economic activities in Japan should continue to support BoJ policy normalisation although tariff uncertainty may complicate BoJ outlook to some extent. Fed-BoJ policy divergence should bring about further narrowing of UST-JGB yield differentials, in turn underpinning the broader direction of travel for USDJPY to the downside."

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:

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: Gains remain capped below 1.1800

EUR/USD consolidates its upside below 1.1800 in the European trading hours on Monday. The pair trades listlessly amid a tepid market mood, despite a broadly subdued US Dollar. Mid-tier US Pending Home Sales are next in focus. 

GBP/USD hovers around 1.3500 amid cautious markets

GBP/USD is oscillating around 1.3500 in the European session on Monday, supported by broad US Dollar softness. But the upside appears limited due to thin market conditions heading into the New Year holiday break. 

Gold corrects from record high as profit-taking sets in

Gold price retreats from a record high near $4,550 in European trading on Monday as traders book some profits ahead of holidays. If the US Dollar finds renewed demand, it could also weigh on the precious metal, as it makes Gold more expensive for non-US buyers.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP bulls regain strength

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple record roughly 3% gains on Monday, regaining strength mid-holiday season. Despite thin liquidity in the holiday season, BTC and major altcoins are regaining strength as US President Donald Trump pushes peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The technical outlook for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple gradually shifts bullish as selling pressure wanes.

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.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.