• USD/JPY trades around 159.05 on Wednesday, virtually unchanged on the day, pausing a seven-day winning streak.
• Japan’s economic growth beats expectations and supports the Japanese currency.
• Intervention risks in Japan and expectations of a more hawkish Fed limit market moves.

USD/JPY trades around 159.05 at the time of writing on Wednesday, virtually unchanged on the day, as investors balance several opposing factors surrounding the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the US Dollar (USD). The pair struggles to extend its seven-day gains series as solid macroeconomic data from Japan provides support to the Japanese currency.

Japan’s economy expanded more strongly than expected in the first quarter, with quarterly growth at 0.5% versus expectations of 0.4%. On an annualized basis, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 2.1%, also beating forecasts of 1.7%. These figures reinforce expectations of a more resilient economy, although some analysts believe higher energy costs could weigh on activity in the coming months.

Support for the Japanese Yen (JPY) also remains tied to concerns about potential intervention from Japanese authorities. Japan Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama recently stated that the government remains ready to act against excessive foreign exchange volatility. This intervention risk could limit additional gains in USD/JPY near current levels.

However, the Japanese Yen’s outlook continues to be constrained by the wide yield differential between the United States (US) and Japan. Elevated US Treasury yields continue to support carry trade strategies, in which investors borrow low-yielding currencies such as the JPY to finance purchases of higher-yielding assets.

On the US side, geopolitical tensions surrounding discussions between the United States and Iran continue to support safe-haven demand for the US Dollar (USD). Investors also remain focused on the monetary policy outlook of the Federal Reserve (Fed), as expectations for a higher-for-longer stance continue to support US yields.

Investors now await the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes later on Wednesday for additional clues on the future direction of the US central bank. Analysts at MUFG believe the document could confirm a more hawkish Fed tone, while TD Securities noted that discussions around removing the easing bias could attract market attention.