USD/JPY pushed up towards 159.70 on Monday, edging close to intervention levels near 160.00, as the US Dollar strengthened after upbeat manufacturing figures. The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 54 in May from 52.7 in April, beating expectations of 53 and pointing to faster expansion; at the same time, the Employment Index improved to 48.6 from 46.4, while the Prices Paid Index eased to 82.1 from 84.6, indicating inflation pressures remain elevated but cooled on the month. Geopolitical tension in the Middle East also stayed in focus after Iran’s Tasnim News Agency said Tehran halted message exchanges with the United States following attacks on Lebanon, supporting demand for havens even as the firmer dollar underpinned the pair.
On the 4-hour chart, USD/JPY traded at 159.72, holding above the 20-period SMA at 159.41 and the 100-period SMA at 158.62, with momentum still positive. The RSI hovered near 69, while resistance sat around 159.73 and 159.77; support levels were flagged at 159.48, then 159.41, with a deeper pullback eyeing 158.62. Attention turns to Friday’s US NFP report for labour-market signals.
US Dollar Strength and Risk of Japanese Intervention
We see the dollar strengthening against the yen, pushing toward the 160 level, driven by robust US manufacturing data from last month. This indicates the American economy is expanding, keeping the US dollar well-supported. The immediate risk for anyone holding a long USD/JPY position is intervention from Japanese authorities.
The main risk we are managing is a sudden move by the Bank of Japan to strengthen the yen, which they have done before around these levels. Historically, when the yen weakens this quickly, authorities step in, as they did in April and May of 2024 by spending over $60 billion to prop up their currency. This creates a significant, unpredictable downside risk for traders who are long the dollar.
Upcoming Events, Volatility, and Positioning Strategies
This Friday’s US Nonfarm Payrolls report is the next major event we are watching. A strong jobs number would likely reinforce the Federal Reserve’s higher-for-longer interest rate stance, further boosting the dollar. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders have already priced out any near-term rate cuts, supporting the dollar’s underlying strength.
Looking into the next few weeks, we are positioning for volatility around the US CPI inflation report and the subsequent Federal Reserve meeting mid-month. Continued high inflation would almost certainly delay any rate cuts and could push USD/JPY higher, while the Bank of Japan’s own meeting could add fuel if they remain dovish. This divergence in central bank policy is the core of the trade.
Given the binary risk of intervention, we believe using options is the most prudent strategy. Buying put options on the USD/JPY can provide a cost-effective hedge against a sudden, sharp drop caused by official action. This allows us to maintain our bullish outlook on the dollar while defining our maximum risk on the position.
While the trend is strong, technical indicators like the RSI are approaching overbought territory near 70. This suggests that the upward momentum is stretched and the pair is vulnerable to a pullback. Therefore, we should be cautious about initiating new long positions right below the critical 160 intervention zone.
