• USD/JPY sales following the Tokyo fix have been strong
• After an uptick to 156.52 into the Tokyo fix, pair off hard to 155.24 EBS
• More longs tipped to be bailing out of positions
• Shift in expectations on the BOJ next week seen behind moves
• High Japan wholesale prices in December, fresh poll add to hike view
• A hike may still be premature but Ueda/Himino hints of debate hit a nerve
• "Shift" in view coming in tandem with fall in US yields from recent highs
• Recent USD/JPY range base around 156.00 effectively pierced
• Support below at ascending daily Ichimoku kijun line at 155.34, then 155.00
• More support eyed at also ascending 55-DMA at 154.61 on 155.00 break
• Upside option expiries today from 156.00 now look to help cap market
• Related comment , view BOJ to hold
• Also , on Japan data/poll
USD/JPY hourly:
(Haruya Ida is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)