JPY Rallying

USDJPY has come under fresh selling pressure today on the back of a meeting yesterday between US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Japan Fin Min Katayama. Bessent reportedly focused on the need for sound monetary policy from the BOJ, citing the very different conditions between now and 12 years ago when Abenomics was first introduced.

New Japanese PM

These comments come as markets have been eyeing the risk of a more dovish stance from the BOJ, in line with the fiscally expansion many think will be seen under new Japanese PM Takaichi. Bessent’s hawkish pressure on the BOJ won’t necessarily influence the bank but traders have responded today by bidding up the Yen all the same. Indeed, despite safe-havens generally seen on the backfoot this week amidst rising US/China trade deal optimism, USDJPY continue to move lower on Tuesday, reversing from recent highs.

No Change From BOJ

The BOJ is not expected to make any policy adjustments when it meets later this week. However, with the Fed widely expected to cut rates again when it meets on Friday, USDJPY looks poised for further losses this week. This is particularly likely if we hear more decidedly dovish tone from the Fed tomorrow and any hawkish signals from the BOJ on Friday, creating deeper divergence between the two central banks.

Technical Views

USDJPY

Following a failed retest of the October highs yesterday, USDJPY is now reversing heavily and is testing support at the 152 level. With the potential for a double top here and with momentum studies falling sharply, a break back below this level will turn focus to the 149.30 level next with the bull channel lows coming in beneath that zone. Longer run, the bull bias remains while the channel holds. With 154.74 the next target for bulls.