Prices surged last week, in sympathy with global bond markets, helping the price rally to a high of 136.64. This rally proved short-lived, however, as domestic fiscal concerns continue to weigh on prices. This affirms the firm downtrend that’s dominated prices since mid-September, and prices will need to challenge resistance before signaling any broader reversal. Key short-term resistance has been defined at 137.30, the Sep 8 high. The latest sell-off, however, resulted in a break of support at 136.19, the Sep 4 low and a bear trigger. Clearance of this level confirms a resumption of the downtrend and opens 135.39 next, a Fibonacci projection.
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The overnight range was 147.66 - 148.26, Asia is currently trading around 147.70. USD/JPY stalled above 148.00 and continues to chop around sideways without really going anywhere. The USD retracement stalled though as sellers reemerged even with some clearly hawkish rhetoric from Fed speakers overnight. The price is still in the middle of its recent 146-149 range, and we need a convincing break on either side to see some clearer direction again. Neither the FOMC nor the BOJ were able to provide any clarity, the market will start turning its focus towards payrolls which seems a lifetime away.
Fig 1 : USD/JPY Spot 2H Chart

Source: MNI - Market News/Bloomberg Finance L.P
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source: Bloomberg Finance LP / MNI