USD/JPY Revisits Highs as Treasury Yields and Risk Appetite Bolster Pair
USD/JPY climbed back to its session high of 157.255 on Monday, supported by firmer U.S. Treasury yields following a solid 2-year auction. The pair’s session range of 156.345-157.255 reflects steady buying interest, with yen crosses also advancing amid gains in U.S. tech shares, which lifted overall risk sentiment. The Ministry of Finance’s (MOF) verbal intervention around 158 remains a key concern for traders, with 158.45, the April 26 high, acting as a critical resistance level. Despite the bullish tone, upcoming Japanese economic data and BOJ commentary may temper gains.
Technically, USD/JPY is consolidating near important resistance levels. The weekly Ichimoku cloud top at 157.13 provides immediate support, with additional downside protection at 155.97 (December 20 low) and the 155 pivot. On the upside, resistance at 158.45 will likely attract profit-taking or intervention-related activity. A break above this level would signal further bullish momentum, but the pair remains vulnerable to verbal intervention, especially as it approaches key thresholds.
This week’s BOJ-related events will be critical for near-term direction. The minutes from the BOJ’s October meeting, along with Governor Ueda’s comments, the December Summary of Opinions, and Tokyo CPI data, will provide fresh insights into Japan’s monetary policy trajectory. A hawkish shift or stronger-than-expected inflation data could support the yen, limiting USD/JPY upside. Conversely, a dovish tone or weak data would likely bolster USD/JPY, keeping it on track to test the 158 resistance zone.