USDJPY:

USD/JPY remains near 161.5, with the response of Japanese authorities becoming increasingly important. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Monday that the authorities are ready to respond to currency movements at any time if necessary. The exchange rate has approached the 2024 high of 161.96; a move above that level would leave the yen at its weakest point since 1986. As a result, official comments have a meaningful impact on market expectations for the pair.
The US dollar’s interest rate advantage remains in place. The Federal Reserve left its rate range at 3.50%–3.75%, citing a resilient economy and elevated inflation, while two-year US Treasury yields rose to their highest level since early 2025. The Bank of Japan raised its short-term policy rate to around 1.0% on June 16 and signalled that further policy normalisation remains possible, although the gap with US rates is still substantial.
The risk profile for USD/JPY has become asymmetric: the macroeconomic backdrop supports the US dollar, but the probability of an official response from Japan rises as the pair approaches sensitive levels. Even without direct action from the authorities, growing expectations of intervention may quickly support the yen. Therefore, the more cautious base case suggests a decline in the pair if the current news environment persists.
Trading idea: SELL 161.55, SL 161.85, TP 160.65
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