Yen Slips to 157.5 as Dollar Dominates Safe-Haven Flows
Dollar Supremacy Prevails USD/JPY surges past 157.50 as US dollar becomes dominant safe-haven despite yen's traditional defensive status. Dollar Index jumps 0.77% to 99.27—strongest in 5+ weeks
Iran War Penalty Japan imports 100% of its oil and LNG. Brent crude at $78+, Asian LNG prices spike 39%. Strait of Hormuz disrupted—Japan's energy import bill set to explode dramatically
Fed Holds, BoJ Cautious Fed maintains 3.50-3.75% rates with zero March cut probability (95.6%). Bank of Japan hints at hikes but massive rate gap keeps yen weak structurally
Intervention Zone Approaches Citi warns yen unlikely to weaken beyond 160 without triggering Japanese or US authorities' intervention. Resistance at 159 becomes critical battleground for policymakers soon
Technical Outlook Bullish USD/JPY breaks descending resistance, holds above all moving averages. Analysts target 158.50 near-term, 161-162 extended if conflict persists. Stop-loss below 154 swing low