Headline: USD/JPY Stalls Below February Resistance as BoJ Favors Gradual Hikes
Introduction: USD/JPY is hovering near a nine-month high after the Bank of Japan signaled a steady, gradual path for policy normalization. While the macro backdrop continues to weigh on the Japanese yen, the forex pair is pressing against a well-watched resistance zone, with overbought conditions hinting at near-term volatility.
The Policy Picture: BoJ leadership reiterated a cautious approach to interest rate increases in a meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, noting inflation remains above the 2% target. A senior adviser indicated rate hikes are unlikely before March and would depend on evidence that a larger fiscal package is lifting demand. The BoJ governor is slated to meet the finance minister next, keeping policy headlines front and center for yen traders. This steady-but-slow normalization bias supports USD/JPY on dips, but it may also temper the momentum needed for a clean breakout.
Technical Outlook: USD/JPY continues to test the January–February barrier after touching 155.72. Despite the uptrend, the pair is deeply overbought, leaving room for a pullback. Initial support sits near the 20-day simple moving average around 153.88; a sustained break and a new lower low below 153.00 would weaken the structure and expose 151.60. On the topside, resistance is layered at 156.70. A decisive move above that level would open a re-test of January’s highs at 158.00–158.86 and would be a key step toward negating the broader 2025 downtrend.
Trading Implications: For now, the path of least resistance remains higher as long as USD/JPY holds above the 20-day SMA and 153.00. However, stretched momentum and policy uncertainty argue for caution, with traders watching for either a confirmed breakout over 156.70 or a corrective phase toward the mid-153s.
Key Points: – USD/JPY hit a nine-month peak at 155.72 but is capped by January–February resistance. – BoJ backs a gradual rate-hike path with inflation above the 2% target. – Adviser signals hikes are unlikely before March, pending proof of fiscal stimulus boosting demand. – Overbought conditions raise pullback risks; key supports: 153.88 (20-day SMA) and 153.00. – A break below 153.00 could target 151.60; strength above 156.70 eyes 158.00–158.86. – A clear move over 156.70 would help invalidate the broader 2025 downtrend.
