USD/JPY edged higher to 148.45 last week but retreated again. Initial bias remains neutral this week and further rise is mildly in favor with 147.00 support holds. Above 148.45 will resume larger rise from1 27.20 to retest 151.93 high. However, firm break of 147.00 will should confirm short term topping, and turn bias to the downside for 145.88 support and below.
In the bigger picture, while rise from 127.20 is strong, it could still be seen as the second leg of the corrective pattern from 151.93 (2022 high). Rejection by 151.93, followed by break of 137.22 support will indicate that the third leg of the pattern has started. However, sustained break of 151.93 will confirm resumption of long term up trend.
In the long term picture, price action from 151.93 is seen as developing into a corrective pattern to up trend from 75.56 (2011 low). Another falling leg could be seen, but in that case, downside should be contained by 38.2% retracement of 75.56 to 151.93 at 122.75. On resumption, next target would be 61.8% projection of 102.58 to 151.93 from 127.20 at 157.69.
