The GBP/JPY currency pair has taken a breather after an impressive rally that saw it reach a new GBP/JPY 16-year high of 206.15. This milestone comes on the heels of an extraordinary 13-day winning streak, showcasing the pair’s recent strength. However, as the saying goes, what goes up must come down – or at least take a pause.
Technical Indicators Signal Potential Pullback
Technical analysis suggests that the market may be overextended. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is heading south, meeting an uptrend line that has held since early June, while remaining above the 70 level. Additionally, the stochastic oscillator is pointing downward after a bearish crossover above the 80 level. These indicators hint at a possible correction in the near term.
Key Support Levels to Watch
If the pullback continues, traders should keep an eye on several key support levels:
- The immediate Fibonacci level near 204.70
- The 20-day simple moving average at 202.30
- The 201.64 support level
- The 50-day simple moving average is around 198.90
Bullish Outlook Remains Intact
Despite the current easing, the overall trend for GBP/JPY remains bullish. The pair has been in a strong upward trend since the start of the year, with a remarkable 13% gain. Analysts suggest that only a fall below the 200-day simple moving average near the 190.00 psychological mark could alter the current positive outlook.
Factors Driving the Pair’s Performance
The GBP/JPY’s recent performance can be attributed to several factors:
- Diverging monetary policies between the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan
- The Bank of England’s hawkish stance on interest rates, currently at 5.25%
- The Bank of Japan’s continued ultra-loose monetary policy, with interest rates at a mere 0.05%
Looking Ahead
While the current easing might concern some traders, others see it as a potential buying opportunity. If the pair manages to hold above the 204.80 support line, it could gather momentum to challenge the recent high and potentially reach the 208.40 level.
However, as always in the forex market, caution is advised. The GBP/JPY pair is known for its volatility, and external factors such as economic data releases or geopolitical events could quickly shift the environment.
