01.04.202511:37 Forex Analysis & Reviews: USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the USD/JPY pair is struggling to benefit from a slight intraday upward movement, especially amid expectations that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates at a faster pace. However, uncertainty surrounding potential retaliatory tariffs from President Trump creates additional risks for the Japanese economy, which could prompt the Bank of Japan to stick to its current policy stance.

Positive sentiment in equity markets and moderate dollar strength are also contributing to the pair hovering near the psychological level of 150.00. According to Tankan index data, Japanese companies have raised their inflation forecasts for the next one, three, and five years. Along with strong consumer inflation figures from Tokyo, this reinforces the case for further rate hikes by the Bank of Japan—creating a divergence with the Federal Reserve's expected path of rate cuts. As a result, the narrowing rate differential between Japan and the U.S. supports the yen, capping USD/JPY's upside potential.

From a technical standpoint, a break below the lower boundary of the multi-week ascending trend channel could indeed be seen as a bearish signal.

However, the current neutral positioning of oscillators on the daily chart suggests caution before opening short positions. A drop below 149.55 would find support near the round level of 149.00. The next support level may stop USD/JPY around 148.70. Further selling would resume the negative bias that has been developing over the past three months.

On the other hand, a breakout above 150.25 would open the path to higher levels such as 150.80 and even 151.00. Sustained strength beyond this zone would shift the bias in favor of the bulls, potentially pushing the pair toward the next round level of 152.00 and beyond.

To identify new trading opportunities today, attention should be paid to the release of key U.S. economic data, such as the JOLTS job openings report and the ISM Manufacturing PMI.