Analysing the Volatility Spike on the USD/JPY Chart

The USD/JPY chart offers plenty of noteworthy insights for analysis:
→ A one-month low was recorded today (marked by the arrow);
→ This was followed by a sharp upward reversal, with a series of large bullish candlesticks forming on the intraday chart.

Why Is USD/JPY Moving Sharply Today?

The primary driver appears to be recent statements from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda.

According to Trading Economics, this morning Ueda:
→ warned of rising core inflation risks linked to increasing food prices;
→ indicated that the Bank of Japan is prepared to adjust its monetary policy in order to achieve a stable inflation target.

Latest data show that Japan’s core inflation unexpectedly rose to 3.5% — the highest level in two years — reinforcing the case for further rate hikes. However, what's particularly striking is that despite Ueda’s hawkish tone, the yen is weakening.

Technical Analysis of the USD/JPY Chart

Yen fluctuations formed a downward trajectory (marked in orange) in the second half of May, partly driven by US dollar weakness. Following a period of relative calm, the market has shifted into high gear — the ATR indicator is climbing sharply from multi-month lows, breaking through resistance at the 143.0 level.

This aggressive price action on the USD/JPY chart today suggests we may be witnessing an attempted bullish breakout from the channel. In light of this, it is possible that the surge in volatility reflects a fundamental shift in market sentiment — one that could potentially lead to the development of an upward trend.

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