Headline: USD/JPY Holds Above 155 as Fed Path and BoJ Caution Shape FX Sentiment
Introduction: The US dollar has traded unevenly in recent sessions, but broader risk sentiment remains the key driver across markets. With USD/JPY anchored above 155.00, traders are balancing fading odds of a December Federal Reserve rate cut against a still-dovish Bank of Japan, setting the stage for a data-heavy week.
The macro backdrop is being steered by equities: up days in stocks have lifted Treasury yields and the dollar, while risk-off sessions have reversed those gains. Markets now assign roughly a 42% probability to a December Fed cut, leaving upcoming US data as the deciding factor. A soft September jobs report may be shrugged off as dated, but a strong print could signal improving conditions even before recent rate reductions. The November nonfarm payrolls release is likely to be the pivotal input heading into the December FOMC, with CPI timing less favorable. On the yen side, the BoJ left rates unchanged, with two dissenters again favoring a hike. Governor Ueda’s emphasis on spring wage talks suggests the next move could be pushed into 2026, and market-implied odds for a December hike hover near 25%. Frequent verbal interventions around the 155.00 area from Japan’s Finance Ministry have had limited impact, implying more forceful measures would be needed to shift momentum.
From a technical perspective, the daily chart keeps USD/JPY constructive above 155.00, where sustained support invites attempts at fresh highs. A decisive break below that area would expose the 151.00 support zone. On the four-hour timeframe, an ascending trendline continues to define the bullish structure; dip buyers are likely to defend pullbacks toward that line, while a clean downside break could tilt risk toward 151.00. On the intraday view, 154.80 is a key bearish trigger, while a move through 155.38 would reinforce upside continuation toward the 156.00 handle.
This week’s calendar could spark volatility: ADP employment leads into FOMC minutes, followed by Thursday’s NFP and jobless claims, with Japan’s CPI and US flash PMIs closing out the week. Expect USD/JPY sensitivity to both labor and inflation signals as traders refine the Fed and BoJ policy outlooks.
Key Points: – USD/JPY trades above 155.00 as equities steer Treasury yields and the US dollar. – Markets price about a 42% chance of a December Fed rate cut; data will drive the final call. – September jobs data may be discounted if soft; a strong print could carry more weight. – BoJ kept rates on hold; focus on wage negotiations suggests prolonged patience, with only modest odds of a December hike. – Daily support at 155.00 and major support near 151.00; intraday levels include 154.80 (bearish trigger) and 155.38/156.00 (upside continuation). – Key catalysts this week: ADP, FOMC minutes, NFP, jobless claims, Japan CPI, and US flash PMIs.
