USDJPY: Buyers Defend 157.84 Pivot, Eye 158.85 Resistance

In this comprehensive analysis, Ultima Markets brings you an insightful breakdown of USDJPY for September 24, 2026.

Technical Analysis of USDJPY

USDJPY Daily Chart Insight

(USDJPY Daily Chart, Source: Ultima Markets MT5)

USDJPY has staged a strong recovery from the early-September low around 152.90–153.46, lifting the pair back to 157.919. The daily bias is neutral as price has recovered above the red 16-period moving average (MA16), while remaining below the purple 50-period moving average (MA50) and blue 100-period moving average (MA100). The MA16 is beginning to turn higher after its previous decline, but the MA50 is still falling and the MA100 remains above both shorter averages, leaving the broader moving-average structure cautious despite improving momentum.

RSI has recovered to 53.95, supporting the rebound without showing an extreme momentum condition. Buyers have regained some ground, but broader control would require USDJPY to clear the 158.55–159.68 resistance region and establish itself above the MA50 and MA100.

Key Levels:

• Support 1 (157.42): The nearest support beneath the current price and a visible reaction area during the latest recovery.
• Support 2 (155.72–156.29): This zone contains the rising red 16-period moving average (MA16) and the base of the latest rebound.
• Support 3 (152.90–153.46): The major September swing-low region and the strongest visible lower support.
• Resistance 1 (158.55): The immediate resistance near the latest recovery high.
• Resistance 2 (159.11–159.68): A broader resistance zone containing the declining purple 50-period moving average (MA50) and blue 100-period moving average (MA100).
• Resistance 3 (160.25): A previous swing-high area that would become relevant if the recovery extends above the moving-average resistance zone.

USDJPY 2-Hour Chart Analysis

(USDJPY 2-Hour Chart, Source: Ultima Markets MT5)

USDJPY retains a bullish 2-hour bias despite a modest pullback from the recent 158.44 high. Price at 157.906 remains above the red 16-period moving average (MA16), purple 50-period moving average (MA50), and blue 100-period moving average (MA100), while all three averages are rising and maintain a bullish MA16-above-MA50-above-MA100 alignment.

This structure continues to favour buyers, although the latest retreat toward the MA16 shows that short-term momentum is cooling. RSI has eased to 55.42 after approaching the upper part of its recent range, suggesting a temporary correction or sideways pause is possible before the next directional move.

Breakout Scenarios:

• Bullish continuation is the higher-probability outcome, triggered by a decisive break and hold above 158.44. This would expose the next visible resistance zone around 158.80–159.16.
• Bearish correction is the lower-probability alternative, triggered by a failure to hold 157.72 followed by a decisive breakdown below the 157.36 area around the purple 50-period moving average (MA50). This would expose 157.00 initially, followed by the blue 100-period moving average (MA100) around the 156.28 region.

USDJPY Pivot Indicator

(USDJPY 30-Minute Chart, Source: Trading Central)

USDJPY is trading at 158.34 on the 30-minute chart, comfortably above the main pivot at 157.84, keeping the immediate bias bullish. RSI stands at 60.72, remaining above the neutral 50 level but easing from its recent peak. MACD remains positive at 0.10, although the indicator has started to flatten as momentum cools. The pair is therefore consolidating after its latest advance rather than accelerating higher, with 157.84 remaining the key level separating the bullish structure from a deeper correction.

• Bullish Breakout: The bullish preference remains valid while USDJPY holds above the 157.84 pivot. A renewed advance would target 158.85 first and 159.10 second. Confirmation would be strengthened if RSI remains above 50 and turns higher from 60.72, while MACD stays above zero and resumes rising from around 0.10.
• Bearish Rejection: The immediate bias would shift bearish if USDJPY breaks decisively below the 157.84 pivot. The first downside target would be 157.42, followed by 157.17. Confirmation would require RSI to fall below 50 and MACD to extend its loss of momentum toward or below the zero line.

Disclaimer Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided.