The rebound in tech shares continues after South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index posted near 18% gains today. And that's setting a more positive backdrop for broader markets.
USD/JPY recovered to 160.60 on Friday following a sharp drop the previous day. Investors believe the Bank of Japan intervened to support the yen, although there has been no official confirmation.
USD/JPY after volatility: Multiple events in one day
USD/JPY Price Forecast: Likely extend decline below 158.00
The BOJ appears content to normalise policy gradually, but leaving rates unchanged has handed the initiative back to USD/JPY.
Looking at the 4-hour chart, the pair dipped below the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the 160.49 swing low to the 163.98 high. There was also a move below a major bullish trend line with support at 163.30.
USD/JPY Price Forecast: Climbs back above mid-160.00s as BoJ rate decision looms
Thursday's economic calendar delivered a mixed but ultimately constructive picture of the U.S. economy. Growth slowed more than expected during the second quarter, but the details beneath the headline were stronger than they first appeared.
BoJ intervened to support the yen, putting additional pressure on the American currency.
USD weakness forced a pullback but that apparently wasn't enough for Japanese policymakers, with a move that looks interventi.
USD/JPY's steep decline today suggests that a medium term top is probably formed at 163.97 already. Immediate focus is now on rising channel floor (now at 158.74).
Breaking: Japanese Yen surges on suspected intervention, USD/JPY plunges below 161.00