USDJPY: Bulls run out of steam, focus on US Retail Sales, 150.00

USDJPY is stuck in a tight weekly trading range near the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), hovering between 149.30 and 150.00, as traders are on the lookout for the US Retail Sales report coming Thursday.

Buyers need a strong boost to keep the reins

In addition to the nervousness ahead of the data release and the 200-day EMA, the fading bullish momentum in the MACD and a steady RSI near overbought levels show that USDJPY is struggling to attract buyers. However, trading above key EMAs makes it tough for sellers to gain control. While bulls are likely to stay in charge, a pullback seems expected unless the upcoming data gives the US Dollar a lift.

Key technical levels to watch

If the US Dollar falls after the data, watch for the 149.30 level comprising the lower band of the immediate trading range and the 200-day EMA as key support. Following that, a quick drop to the 147.30-20 zone, including the 50-day EMA, is possible. However, the quote’s sustained weakness past 147.20 will make it vulnerable to slump toward the 23.6% Fibonacci Retracement of its July-September downside, close to 144.85.

On the upside, buyers need to break above 150.00 to maintain control. If they do, a rise towards the 50% and 61.8% Fibonacci levels at approximately 150.80 and 153.50 is likely.

Buyers are still optimistic, but it all hinges on the US data

Despite challenges for USDJPY buyers, solid support levels and potentially positive US data hint at further gains. This is especially true with the Bank of Japan's easing hawkish stance and expectations for fewer rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve.