USD/JPY is now predicted to navigate the 148.50-150.50 range in the next few weeks, comment Markets Strategist Quek Ser Leang and Senior FX Strategist Peter Chia at UOB Group.

Key Quotes

24-hour view: Last Friday, we expected USD to trade sideways between 149.05 and 149.70. We did not anticipate the choppy price action wherein USD plummeted to a low of 148.51 before snapping back up to end the day little changed at 149.35 ( 0.04%). The strong rebound has scope to extend but is unlikely to break clearly above 150.00. Support is at 149.20, followed by 148.90. 

Next 1-3 weeks: Our latest narrative was from last Thursday (28 Sep, spot at 149.45), wherein USD “could advance further to 150.00 if it stays above 148.55.” On Friday, USD dipped briefly to a low of 148.51 before snapping back up. While upward momentum has eased somewhat, it is premature to expect a sustained pullback in USD. From here, USD could edge upwards, but any advance is likely part of a higher range of 148.50/150.50. In other words, a clear break above 150.50 is unlikely.