The AUD/JPY cross trades in positive territory around 114.25 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) strengthens against the Japanese Yen (JPY) on a strong Australian employment report for June.
Australia’s Unemployment Rate stayed at 4.4% in June, according to the official data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday. The figure came in line with the market consensus. Meanwhile, the Employment Change came in at 76.3K in June from a rise of 44K in May (revised from 40.3K), better than the forecast of a 15K increase.
Nonetheless, fears of currency intervention from Japanese authorities could lift the JPY and cap the upside for the cross. Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Friday that officials are ready to act appropriately on currency shifts whenever necessary. Katayama added that the authorities are prepared to take decisive steps on the foreign exchange.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY retains a bullish bias as price holds firmly above the 100-day simple moving average (SMA) and the Bollinger Bands’ 20-day SMA, keeping the broader uptrend intact. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 63 suggests firm positive momentum, edging toward overbought territory and hinting that upside progress could slow as buyers confront nearby resistance.
On the topside, immediate resistance is aligned with the Bollinger upper band around 114.70. A decisive break above the latter would open the way to the June 2 high of 114.92.
On the downside, initial support is seen at the June 16 high of 113.55. The next contention level is located at the Bollinger middle band at 112.95, followed closely by the 100-day SMA at 112.85; a sustained move below these levels would signal a deeper correction toward the lower Bollinger band around 111.22.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Audjpy faces seasonal headwinds into late summerAccording to TD Securities, seasonal patterns argue for caution on AUD/JPY over the coming months. The bank highlights that the cross has "historically experienced bearish seasonality in July and August," noting that in particular, "the pair was down in August 71% of the time over the past 20 years for an average loss of -1.5%." TD Securities suggests this track record reinforces the case for a more defensive stance as the market moves deeper into the late-summer period.
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in positive territory around 113.85 during the early European session on Tuesday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) strengthens against the Japanese Yen (JPY) due to the interest rate differential between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ). However, fears of possible intervention from Japanese authorities might cap the upside for the cross.
After delivering three consecutive 25 basis points (bps) hikes earlier this year, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to hold the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 4.35% at its June policy meeting.
Economists warned that rising oil and fuel prices could cement a fourth interest rate rise this year if US President Donald Trump’s renewed conflict with Iran is not resolved within a week.
Traders have raised their bets on an RBA rate hike since airstrikes resumed last week, now pricing in nearly a 23% odds of a hike in August and more than a 50% chance by December, according to the Guardian.
In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds a bullish near-term bias as it remains above the 100-day simple moving average (SMA) and the Bollinger Bands’ 20-day middle band, keeping the broader uptrend intact. Price is advancing toward the Bollinger upper band, while the Relative Strength Index (14) around 60 suggests firm but not overstretched upside momentum.
On the topside, immediate resistance aligns with the Bollinger Bands’ upper band at 114.10. The next hurdle is located at the May 13 high of 114.74, en route to the 115.00 psychological level.
On the downside, initial support is seen at the July 20 low of 113.10. The next contention level to watch is the 100-day SMA at 112.75, followed by the Bollinger middle band at 112.55, with a deeper cushion coming in at the lower band near 111.05 should a corrective pullback develop.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Australian Dollar FAQs One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in negative territory around 113.35 during the early European trading hours on Friday. Fears of possible intervention from Japanese officials provide some support to the Japanese Yen (JPY) against the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama delivered verbal intervention again on Friday, saying that "if it becomes necessary, we will take decisive action at any time.” This remark came ahead of a holiday weekend in Japan, a timing that in the past has been used for late-night interventions.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) will meet later this month after hiking interest rates to the highest level in three decades in June. The Japanese central bank is anticipated to raise rates again before the end of the year, but it isn’t expected to move at the July policy meeting.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds a constructive bullish bias as spot price advances above both the 100-day simple moving average (SMA) and the Bollinger Bands’ middle line, hinting at firm underlying demand. The Relative Strength Index (14) at 56.03 stays in positive territory without reaching overbought levels, suggesting that the latest upswing still has room to extend while prices remain supported above these key averages.
On the topside, immediate resistance is defined by the Bollinger upper band around 113.80, where fresh supply could slow the rally. The next hurdle to watch is the May 13 high of 114.74. On the downside, initial support is seen at the 100-day SMA at 112.70, followed by the Bollinger middle band at 112.45 and the lower band near 111.05, levels that together outline the main downside cushions in case of a corrective pullback.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in negative territory around 113.45 during the early European trading hours on Thursday. Verbal intervention from Japanese authorities provides some support to the Japanese Yen (JPY) against the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Thursday that the authorities are ready to take appropriate action on currency anytime as needed. She added that the officials will track market trends and economic data to ensure fiscal sustainability.
Senior officials from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) noted that a delay in stimulus adjustment amid high inflation risk could trigger an economic downturn. However, a Reuters survey showed earlier Thursday that nearly half of Japanese firms are experiencing negative business impact from the BoJ's interest rate hikes, with higher borrowing costs hurting bottom lines and discouraging capital investment.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds a bullish near-term bias as price remains above the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the Bollinger Bands 20-period middle band, suggesting the broader uptrend is still supported despite recent consolidation. The latest Relative Strength Index (14) reading around 57 keeps momentum on the constructive side, hinting that buyers retain control as long as the pair stays comfortably above the lower Bollinger band at 111.10.
On the topside, initial resistance emerges at the Bollinger upper band around 113.70, where a sustained break would open the door to the May 13 high of 114.74.
On the downside, the first layer of support is seen at the 100-day SMA at 112.65, followed by the Bollinger middle band near 112.40, while a deeper pullback towards the lower band at 111.10 would be needed to seriously challenge the prevailing bullish structure.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY pair broke past the 113.00 resistance level following previous quiet six session bounds between 111.95 and 112.81 Yen weakness was fueled by interest rate differences and market confusion over speculation that Japan's massive pension fund might relocate foreign assets back home The Aussie dollar found solid fundamental support as global commodity prices remained firm despite the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East After six sessions trading within a tight range of 111.95 to 112.81, the AUD/JPY pair moved decisively higher on Tuesday. It surpassed the 113.00 psychological level and continued its ascent today, nearing 113.39. So, what changed?
Speculation Over the World’s Largest Pension Fund Triggers Yen Selloff Headlines regarding Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) appear to be the primary driver behind the yen’s recent decline. Reports suggest the government is considering encouraging the massive pension fund to increase its investments in domestic assets to support local markets and the yen. While this sounds like it should strengthen the Japanese currency, the market reacted with immediate skepticism.
This skepticism stems from past attempts by the Japanese finance ministry to support the yen, which proved costly and ineffective. As CNBC reported, Tokyo’s finance ministry burned through roughly $73 billion defending the yen back in April and May, only to watch it slide right back toward the levels it started from.
Analysts suggest the yen’s weakness is rooted in structural issues. These include Japan’s growing public debt, a government focused on reflation, and inflation expectations that are not aligning with typical interest rate differentials.
On the Aussie side, the Reserve Bank of Australia has hiked its cash rate three times this year to 4.35%. Despite holding rates steady in June, RBA meeting minutes indicated ongoing concerns about inflation exceeding the target, with core inflation accelerating even as headline inflation eased.
A Finder survey of more than 40 economists shows 55% of them expect at least one more rate hike this year, likely in August. This policy stance supports Australian yields and the carry appeal of the Australian dollar.
Commodity prices and China’s economic performance also play a significant role. Australia, as a major exporter of iron ore, coal, and liquefied natural gas, benefits from resilient demand from China. Positive economic indicators from Beijing have bolstered risk sentiment and AUD strength.
Market Outlook Signals Bullish Bias with Caution This breakout suggests a constructive near-term outlook for AUD/JPY, potentially targeting higher levels if policy divergence persists and global risk conditions remain favorable.
For those considering trading this breakout, entering at current levels around 113.40 presents some short-term risk. A sustained move above 113.58 on a daily closing basis would be the next key level to watch, potentially opening the way toward 113.90 and the 52-week high zone around 114.90.
Below the surface, though, this rally is fragile. A significant risk to long positions is the potential for direct market intervention by the Bank of Japan or the Ministry of Finance to support the yen. Such action could lead to a rapid and substantial decline in the AUD/JPY pair.
Why did AUD/JPY break above 113.00 this week?
The breakout was caused by a combination of RBA rate-hike expectations supporting the Aussie and persistent yen weakness tied to Japan’s debt concerns and ineffective currency intervention.
Is the Australian dollar actually getting stronger?
The Australian dollar’s appreciation appears to be more a reflection of yen weakness than a substantial increase in the Australian dollar’s strength, although RBA policy has contributed positively.
How does China’s economy influence Australian dollar strength?
Stronger Chinese demand for commodities like iron ore and coal increases Australia’s export revenues, improving its terms of trade and supporting the AUD.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in positive territory around 113.25 during the early European trading hours on Wednesday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) edges lower against the Australian Dollar (AUD) after reports regarding the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Tuesday that the government is considering nudging the world's largest pension fund to buy domestic financial assets to support the currency, though concrete plans have yet to materialize. However, traders remain on alert for possible intervention from Japanese authorities, which might cap the upside for the cross.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds a near-term bullish bias as price extends above the 100-day simple moving average (SMA) and the 20-day Bollinger middle band, keeping the broader uptrend supported. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 56.23 sits in positive territory without entering overbought conditions, suggesting that buying pressure remains constructive but not overstretched.
On the topside, the next notable resistance is the upper Bollinger band, emerging around 113.55, where the current advance could start to face profit-taking. The next hurdle to watch is the May 14 high of 114.66. On the downside, initial support is seen at the 100-day SMA at 112.65, followed by the Bollinger midline near 112.35, while deeper pullbacks would likely be cushioned by the lower Bollinger band around 111.15.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY cross gathers strength to near 112.55 during the early European trading hours on Tuesday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) attracts some sellers against the Australian Dollar (AUD) after Reuters reported on Monday that Tokyo had no immediate plans to alter the asset allocation of its state pension funds, reducing expectations of near-term support for domestic assets.
Nonetheless, Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the country’s massive pension fund would adjust its holdings if necessary, while also proposing the inclusion of government bonds in a tax-free investment program for individual investors.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY retains a mildly bearish bias as it holds just beneath the 100-day simple moving average (SMA). Price remains above the Bollinger middle band, suggesting some near-term demand, but the proximity of the upper band and the capping 100-day SMA reinforces a topside-constrained tone. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 49.81 sits near neutral, hinting at consolidative momentum rather than a clear directional drive.
On the topside, immediate resistance is seen at the 100-day SMA at 112.60, with a break exposing the Bollinger upper band near 113.40 as the next barrier. On the downside, initial support aligns with the Bollinger middle band at 112.30, ahead of a deeper cushion at the lower band around 111.25, where stronger buyers could attempt to reassert control if the current drift extends.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
Japanese yen volatility has returned as traders unwind record short positions ahead of US CPI. With USD/JPY testing major resistance below 163 and intervention risks lingering, futures positioning suggests gains may become harder to come by. Here are the key USD/JPY and AUD/JPY trade setups to watch.
View related analysis:
Yen Bears Capitulate, US Dollar Nearing Sentiment Extreme? | COT report Australian Dollar Outlook: AUD/USD Bounce Losing Steam Ahead of US CPI Gold Price Outlook: Bulls Weigh the Odds of Another Bounce Above $4,000 How to Read the COT Report to Track Forex Market Sentiment Japanese Yen Short Covering Puts USD/JPY at a Critical Juncture Japanese Yen Volatility Returns Ahead of US CPI Volatility has perked up for the Japanese yen over the past few weeks, and it has cut both ways. A market-led selloff heading into the 2 July non-farm payrolls (NFP) report saw USD/JPY fall by as much as 200 pips before recouping those losses over the following four days. On Friday, USD/JPY fell more than 100 pips on reports that Japan's largest pension fund had been instructed to purchase domestic assets.
This is quite a significant development because it suggests Japan is exploring alternative ways of supporting the yen besides traditional currency intervention. It could prove a shrewd approach, allowing policymakers to avoid swimming against the tide while the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish stance and US economic data continues to outperform.
Source: ICE, TradingView
Yen Gains May Be Harder to Come By I think the bigger takeaway is that easy gains on USD/JPY may be harder to come by, but that is not the same as saying the pair cannot move higher. The combination of traders remaining wary of potential intervention, alongside efforts to support the yen without directly intervening, could allow USD/JPY to grind higher while keeping volatility elevated. Put another way, the broader uptrend may remain intact, but traders should expect more frequent bouts of two-way price action.
With USD/JPY testing resistance ahead of today's US inflation report, traders are on high alert for either a bullish breakout or a sharp reversal. Markets continue to price in a hawkish Fed, so it may not take much of a downside CPI surprise to shake the market from these elevated levels, particularly as Japanese yen bears continue to capitulate in the futures market.
Japanese Yen Futures Positioning: USD/JPY COT Report I have been warning for several weeks about the potential sentiment extreme in Japanese yen futures. Gross short positions had climbed to record highs among both asset managers and large speculators, while long positions also edged higher despite the yen's persistent downtrend (USD/JPY uptrend). That pushed net-short exposure close to two-year highs for both groups of traders.
However, the latest Commitment of Traders (COT) report showed a clear reduction in bearish positioning last week. Gross short exposure was cut by a combined 48.8k contracts across both trader groups, falling 11.6% among large speculators and 12.7% among asset managers. Long positions increased only marginally, making this a story of short covering rather than fresh bullish conviction.
The conditions are not yet in place for a sustained yen rally, but if bearish traders continue heading for the exit, gains on USD/JPY may become harder to come by than they have been over recent months.
Source: CFTC (COT), CME, LSEG
USD/JPY Technical Analysis: US Dollar vs Japanese Yen The 1-hour chart shows a decent uptrend from Monday's low. Prices are testing the weekly R1 pivot point while remaining above their daily, weekly and monthly VWAPs. We could see an early breakout attempt during today's session towards the cycle highs, although traders should note the July VPOC at 162.69, which aligns with last week's high and could provide resistance.
Bulls may also want to tread carefully around the cycle highs and take note of the pre-NFP price action, as it could trigger another pre-emptive pullback. Even so, several support levels are clustered around 162, including the 2024 high, the weekly pivot point and Monday's VPOC.
It could then come down to the US inflation report to determine whether we see a meaningful breakout or a deeper pullback. While a hot CPI report could tempt bulls to push above 163, I suspect the bigger move may come from a softer-than-expected print. That could see USD/JPY rotate lower within its recent choppy range between 160 and 162.50.
Ultimately, I suspect CPI will need to surprise decisively to the upside for any breakout above 163 to prove sustainable.
Source: ICE, TradingView
This content was created by an affiliate of FOREX.com and represents the views and opinions of the author/speakers, not the views and opinions of FOREX.com, StoneX Group Inc., or its subsidiaries. The content has not been independently reviewed by FOREX.com
AUD/JPY Technical Analysis: Australian Dollar vs Japanese Yen Compared with USD/JPY, volatility remains lower on AUD/JPY. Yet it has caught my attention because it presents several clusters of support and resistance that could provide attractive trading setups. It also partially removes some of the event risk associated with the US inflation report.
The daily chart shows prices oscillating between the 50-day and 100-day EMAs. Momentum has turned slightly lower from last week's high and monthly pivot point, while Monday's shooting star signals a failed attempt to retest Friday's doji high.
Even if prices spike above last week's high, the June VPOC sits at 113.09 and could provide resistance, followed by the May VPOC at 113.48. While 112 may offer initial support, a break below that level brings the 100-day EMA into focus, near the Ministry of Finance (MOF) intervention low.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in negative territory around 112.25 during the early European trading hours on Monday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) strengthens against the Australian Dollar (AUD) amid a renewed push by Japanese authorities for the nation’s massive public pension funds to increase allocations to domestic assets.
"The pension funds are pretty large in size (and) currently, 50 per cent is allocated to foreign investments in their strategic allocation, (so) a shift in that would definitely create a lot more inflows for domestic assets," said Fabien Yip, a market analyst at IG. "That's supportive of the currency and at the same time, also supportive of equities and bonds,” Yip added.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds a mildly bearish bias as it slips under the Bollinger middle band and consolidates just above the lower half of the recent range. The 20-day Bollinger envelope now caps price action, while the 100-day simple moving average (SMA) around 112.59 remains an underlying trend reference, suggesting that recent weakness is still occurring within a broader uptrend. The Relative Strength Index (14) has eased to about 47, hinting at fading upside momentum without yet indicating oversold conditions.
On the topside, immediate resistance emerges at the Bollinger middle band near 112.35, with further upside barriers seen at the upper Bollinger band around 113.52. On the downside, a move below the recent band floor near 111.15 would expose deeper corrective risk, with the broader trend still anchored by the longer-term 100-day SMA acting as an important demand area on pullbacks.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in negative territory around 112.62 during the early European trading hours on Thursday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) edges higher against the Australian Dollar (AUD) amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after US President Donald Trump said an interim agreement to end the war with Iran was “over.”
Traders are also on high alert for possible intervention from Japanese officials. “The yen’s current weakness is excessive and fails to reflect the strong fundamentals of the Japanese economy, a misalignment that could prompt major central banks to launch coordinated intervention,” said Michael Nizard, head of multi-asset and overlay at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management.
Technical Analysis:In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds above the 100-day moving average (MA) and the Bollinger Bands’ 20-day simple moving average (SMA), which together suggest a constructive bullish bias after the recent pullback. Price also remains comfortably above the lower Bollinger band, while the upper band marks the next upside objective as the pair grinds higher; the Relative Strength Index (14) near 50 keeps momentum neutral, hinting at consolidation rather than exhaustion for now.
On the downside, initial support is seen at the 100-day MA at 112.55, followed by the Bollinger midline around 112.42 and then the lower band at 111.15, where buyers would likely defend the broader uptrend. On the other hand, the first upside barrier emerges at the June 16 high of 113.55. The next hurdle is seen at the upper Bollinger band at 113.70, en route to the May 13 high of 114.74.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Japanese Yen FAQs The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY cross gathers strength to around 112.70 during the early European session on Wednesday. Nonetheless, renewed tensions between the US and Iran, and fears of possible intervention by Japanese authorities might support the Japanese Yen (JPY) and cap the upside for the cross.
BBC reported on Tuesday that the US launched "powerful" strikes on Iran in response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) said that it had hit over 80 targets, including more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats in the strait.
In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds above the 100-day moving average (MA) and the Bollinger Bands’ (20) middle band, keeping the broader trend supported after the latest rebound. Price is also comfortably above the lower Bollinger band, while the Relative Strength Index (14) around 51 suggests neutral-to-mildly positive momentum rather than an overstretched rally.
On the downside, the immediate technical floor aligns with the 100-day MA at 112.50 and the Bollinger middle band at 112.43, forming a nearby demand zone; a daily close below this area would expose the lower Bollinger band at 111.15. On the upside, the first upside barrier emerges at the June 16 high of 113.55, en route to the the Bollinger Bands’ upper band of 113.70.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Australian Dollar FAQs One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
