USD/JPY Eyes 142.13 as Russia-Ukraine Tensions Fuel JPY Strength

The USD/JPY is stuck at 142.71 as risk aversion grows with global uncertainty. On the 1-hour chart, price is in a clear descending...

Written by: Arslan Butt • Monday, June 2, 2025 • 1 min read

Quick overview

The USD/JPY is currently at 142.71, trapped in a descending channel amid rising global risk aversion.
Safe-haven demand for the yen is increasing due to escalating tensions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and concerns over USD assets.
Recent economic data shows the USD struggling, with ISM Manufacturing PMI at 49.3 and mixed signals from the Fed.
Technical indicators suggest a bearish bias for USD/JPY, with potential long and short trade setups outlined.

The USD/JPY is stuck at 142.71 as risk aversion grows with global uncertainty. On the 1-hour chart, price is in a clear descending channel with lower highs and lower lows. The 50-period EMA at 143.77 is now acting as dynamic resistance, capping any upside. Recent candlestick patterns, long upper wicks and doji at resistance, are also bearish.

It’s not just technicals. Safe-haven demand is surging as Russia and Ukraine’s conflict escalates. Overnight air attacks by both sides have added to the fragile backdrop to the second round of peace talks in Türkiye. Kyiv arrived in Istanbul, meeting Moscow’s negotiators with minimal progress from previous talks. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy is also seeking NATO security guarantees, adding to market tension.

This geopolitical uncertainty is making the yen a haven, especially as investors get nervous about USD assets, pressured by the Fed’s dovish tone and US debt concerns.

Economic Data and Fed Speeches

The USD’s fundamentals aren’t helping either. ISM Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.3, still contracting. Although ISM Manufacturing Prices jumped to 70.2, it hasn’t changed the dollar’s tone. The market awaits clarity from multiple FOMC speakers, including Powell, but with mixed data and geopolitical tensions, the bias is still JPY.

USD/JPY Price Chart - Source: Tradingview — USD/JPY Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The USD/JPY’s momentum is confirmed by the MACD histogram below zero, with signal lines crossing down, and price struggling to hold above 142.13.

Trade Setup: Going Long JPY

Short Setup: A break below 142.13 could trigger a move to 141.28 or 140.50. Set a stop above 143.53.
Long Opportunity: A bullish engulfing candle and MACD crossover could push USD/JPY above 143.53, to 144.42+. Use a stop below 142.95.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More

Arslan Butt

Lead Markets Analyst – Multi-Asset (FX, Commodities, Crypto)

Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics. His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker. His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.