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ForexMediumUpdated×5•Originally published 16 February 2026•Updated 16 February 2026•

1 min read

Yen Weakness Persists as USD/JPY Hits 153.60 and GBP/JPY Tests 209.60 Resistance

Golden Yen/Yuan symbol with green arrows pointing up, and a US dollar bill sinking into cracked ground with downward arrows.

The Japanese Yen continues to face broad selling pressure, pushing the USD/JPY pair to 153.60 while GBP/JPY tests key resistance at 209.60. Disappointing Q4 GDP data from Japan has dampened expectations for a Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hike, further weakening the currency's outlook. The Pound Sterling is trading higher against the Yen for the second consecutive day, benefiting from the widening interest rate differential and sustained bullish momentum. Market movements remain influenced by thin liquidity due to the "Presidents' Day" holiday in the US and Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia. Technically, USD/JPY remains resilient above its 200-day SMA, while GBP/JPY's approach to the 209.60 level signals significant buying interest. Investors remain on high alert for potential intervention from Japanese authorities as the Yen's decline broadens across major currency crosses.

4 months ago

Version History

Version 54 months ago

What changed: Broadened the scope to include Yen weakness against the Pound, with GBP/JPY testing key resistance at 209.60.

Version 44 months ago

What changed: The pair extended gains to 153.60, and the context of thin liquidity due to US and Asian holidays was added as a driver for current price action.

Version 34 months ago

What changed: Updated the story to include MUFG institutional analysis attributing the Yen's stall to GDP data and noted the specific intraday low of 152.27.

Version 24 months ago

What changed: Updated the story to include the pair reaching 153.25 and identifying technical support levels at the 200-day SMA and 38.2% Fibonacci retracement.

Version 14 months ago

What changed: The update expands the scope of JPY weakness to include the AUD/JPY cross, which surpassed the 108.00 mark, indicating that the GDP miss is affecting multiple Yen pairs at the start of the week.