Scenario
Timeframe	Weekly
Recommendation	BUY STOP
Entry Point	154.10
Take Profit	157.60
Stop Loss	153.00
Key Levels	149.20, 152.40, 154.10, 157.60

Alternative scenario
Recommendation	SELL STOP
Entry Point	152.40
Take Profit	149.20
Stop Loss	153.20
Key Levels	149.20, 152.40, 154.10, 157.60

Current trend

The USD/JPY pair is correcting in a sideways trend at 153.33. The yen is retreating from its highs amid increasing pressure from the American dollar and poor expectations regarding macroeconomic reports due tomorrow at 01:50 (GMT 2).

Thus, according to preliminary estimates, September industrial production will increase from –3.3% to 0.9%. However, retail sales will decrease from 2.8% to 2.1%, continuing the negative trend since late summer because of accelerating consumer inflation, which has already caused monetary policy to tighten. At 05:00 (GMT 2), the Bank of Japan meeting will end. However, analysts assume that the interest rate will remain at 0.25%. Earlier, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said the government would monitor currency movements, hinting at the possibility of more interventions, and Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa noted that a poor yen could put pressure on the economy, leading to a decline in real household income and private consumption.

The American dollar has pared yesterday’s gains and is holding at 104.10 in the USDX, as investors remain neutral amid yesterday’s ambiguous macroeconomic statistics. The October Conference Board consumer confidence index increased from 99.2 points to a high of 108.7 points. However, September JOLTS job openings fell from 7.861M to 7.443M, the lowest since 2021.

Support and resistance

On the daily chart, the trading instrument is correcting upward after breaking out of the local channel of 145.00–139.00. Technical indicators maintain a stable buy signal: fast EMAs on the Alligator indicator are moving away from the signal line, and the AO histogram is forming ascending bars in the buy zone.

Resistance levels: 154.10, 157.60.

Support levels: 152.40, 149.20.

Trading tips

Long positions may be opened after the price rises and consolidates above 154.10, with the target at 157.60. Stop loss is 153.00. Implementation period: 7 days or more.

Short positions may be opened after the price falls and consolidates below 152.40, with the target at 149.20. Stop loss is 153.20.

USD/JPY: Bank of Japan officials may keep interest rates at 0.25% at tomorrow’s meeting