BoJ

For USD/JPY, the next test to watch will be at 155.00, and if the MOF/BOJ fail to act if USD/JPY breaches that level, traders may start to turn their eyes up to 160.00 next

Whether you look at fundamentals or technicals, the case for USD/JPY is compelling. But the threat of BOJ intervention has not gone away, making for a tricky environment for traders to navigate. However, the volatility it generates creates multiple trade setups depending on your preferred timeframe.

AUD/JPY and EUR/JPY are sandwiched between range highs and uptrend support, meaning traders should be on alert for potential bearish and bullish breakout this week with big event risk in the United States and Europe approaching fast.

USD/JPY sits in a narrow trading range, sandwiched by bullish fundamentals and threat of intervention from the Bank of Japan to support the yen. The latter has reduced the odds of near-term upside for USD/JPY despite the release of important inflation updates in the United States this week.

With the threat of BOJ intervention elevated and seemingly increasing, buying USD/JPY right now screens as high risk and low reward. Selling rallies ahead of 152 looks a far stronger trade setup, especially when you consider how significant the US rates repricing has already been this year.

The threat of intervention from the BOJ has increased, likely limiting upside for USD/JPY in the near to medium-term. But extremely wide interest rate differentials and buoyant markets suggest it shouldn’t be significantly lower. It points to a stalemate for yen bulls and bears but opens the door for traders to play existing ranges.

Japanese officials are once again attempting to talk down the high-flying USD/JPY, arguing moves over the past few weeks do not reflect fundamentals but speculative activity. Sitting in a technical pattern that points the risk of substantial upside ahead, their weak yen headache may soon turn into a full-blown migraine.

The fact that the yen was broadly weaker following the BOJ's historic hike shows that it was not only priced in, but traders wanted more. Yet the rapid weakness of the yen brings back a familiar question; will the BOJ begin verbal intervention?

The long-awaited results from the Japan’s spring wage negotiations are winding down, and the results are generally what the BOJ wanted to see to exit its ultra-accommodative monetary policy. See the key levels to watch on USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, and GBP/JPY!

Underlying disinflationary pressures in Tokyo intensified last month, pointing to the likelihood of similar trends nationally and underscoring the need for wage growth to reach sufficient levels to boost flagging consumer demand.

USD/JPY remains supported on dips but where does the next leg higher come from? The US rate outlook has adjusted substantially, pushing yields rapidly higher. With risk appetite nearing euphoric levels, it begs the question: will conditions get any better for bulls than now?

Focusing on whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will scrap negative interest rates should be low on the list of priorities for USD/JPY traders to consider right now. It’s not as important as it’s portrayed to be, creating plenty of noise for an event that could pass without generating significant market volatility.

The Japanese yen continues to dance to the tune of US interest rate expectations and broader risk sentiment, meaning events that may influence either of those areas should be the focus for USD/JPY traders this week.

If there was ever a day for Japan’s Nikkei 225 to overcome its demons and take out the record high set in December 1989, few screen better than today. The ducks look to have lined up for bulls. If we can’t set a new peak, it may provide a subtle warning that the market has run too hard, too fast.

GBP/JPY is on the cusp of breaking to fresh multi-year highs ahead of key inflation and employment data from the United Kingdom and Japan, making this a pair to keep on the radar over the next 48 hours.

Japan has received a raft of bullish economic news today, sending Japanese government bond yields higher while simultaneously placing downward pressure on USD/JPY and the Nikkei 225.

The US dollar and yen were the weakest FX majors during the Asian session, following reports of China stimulus and no change in policy from the BOJ. GBP/JPY has probed a key resistance level and crude oil shows the potential to extend yesterday's gains.