GBP/JPY’s rise continued last week and hit as high as 143.25. As a temporary top was formed, initial bias remains neutral this week for some consolidations first. Downside of retreat should be contained well above 139.31 support to bring rise resumption. On the upside, break of 143.25 will resume the rally from 126.54. Sustained break of trend line resistance (now at 143.51) will pave the way to 148.87 key resistance next.
In the bigger picture, current rise from 126.54 is seen as the third leg of the consolidation pattern from 122.75 (2016 low). Further rally could be seen but for now, we’d expect strong resistance from 156.59 to limit upside. On the downside, sustained break of 135.74 resistance turned support will suggest that such rebound has completed. Deeper decline could the be seen to retest 126.54 low.
In the longer term picture, price actions from 122.75 (2016 low) are seen as developing into a consolidation pattern. That is, long term down trend from 195.86 (2015 high) and that from 251.09 (2007 high) are still in favor to extend through 116.83 (2011 low). We’ll hold on to this bearish view as long as 156.59 key resistance holds. However, firm break of 156.69 should at least bring further rally to 61.8% retracement of 195.86 to 122.75 at 167.93.
