Further buying interest could lift USD/JPY above the 139.00 region in the next few weeks, according to UOB Group’s Economist Lee Sue Ann and Markets Strategist Quek Ser Leang.

Key Quotes

24-hour view: “Yesterday, we indicated that USD could advance further but ‘it remains to be seen if it has enough momentum to break clearly above 139.00 today’. Our view was not wrong as USD rose briefly to 138.90 and then eased off to close little changed at 138.58 (0.01%). The price actions are likely part of a consolidation phase and today, we expect USD to trade between 138.00 and 138.90.”

Next 1-3 weeks: “Our update from yesterday (23 May, spot at 138.) still stands. As highlighted, short-term upward momentum appears to be building again and the odds of USD breaking clearly above 139.00 have increased. The next level to focus on is 139.60. On the downside, a breach of 137.55 (‘strong support’ previously at 137.30) would indicate that the USD strength that started early last week has ended.”