AUDUSD TECHS: Monitoring Resistance

• Markets remain sensitive to headline risk Wednesday, stocks and rates sold off after early headlines reported Trump is considering declaring a state of emergency to enact universal tariffs (opposite reaction from Monday's early rally on WAPO article that suggested a watered down tariff plan). Mar'25 10Y futures breached round number support to 107-28.5 low, 10Y yield hit a high of 4.7280% on the move.
• Rates and stocks bounced after Fed Gov Waller argued for further rate cuts if the economy unfolds as expected, while adding he doesn't see tariffs as being inflationary. Mar'25 10Y futures climbed to 108-09 while curves climbed to new/near 3Y highs (2s10s 42.887, 5s30s 48.363).
• Muted reaction to jobless claims data that were on balance a little better than expected (201k vs. 215k est), ADP employment was softer than expected in December at 122k (cons 140k) after an unrevised 146k in Nov.
• Risk sentiment cooled slightly after the December FOMC minutes underscored a shift toward a slower pace in cutting rates citing rising upside risks to inflation and elevated uncertainty over potential changes in trade and immigration policy from incoming Republican leadership.
• Reminder: Open outcry and CME Globex trading session for interest rate products will have an early close of 1300 ET and 1315ET, respectively on January 9, 2025. All transactions submitted on CME ClearPort will have normal hours. Settlement prices will be derived at 1300ET. Sole data point tomorrow: Challenger Job Cuts at 0730ET; Tsy 4- and 8W bill auctions, and several Fed speakers through the day.

• RES 4: 166.54 2.0% 10-dma envelope
• RES 3: 166.10 High Nov 6  
• RES 2: 165.04 High Nov 15 and a key short-term resistance
• RES 1: 164.55 High Jan 7
• PRICE: 163.37 @ 20:20 GMT Jan 8 
• SUP 1: 162.55/160.91 20-day EMA / Low Jan 2    
• SUP 2: 160.54 50.0% retracement of the Dec 3 - 30 bull cycle   
• SUP 3: 159.51 61.8% retracement of the Dec 3 - 30 bull cycle
• SUP 4: 158.67 Low Dec 11

EURJPY has traded higher this week but remains below the Dec 30 high. The recent move down appears corrective and a bullish short-term condition is intact. The next support to watch lies at 160.54, 50.0% of the Dec 3 - 30 bull cycle. The 61.8% level is at 159.51. A resumption of gains would open 165.04, the Nov 15 high. Clearance of this hurdle would expose 166.69, the Oct 31 high and a major resistance.

• RES 4: 160.00 Round number resistance   
• RES 3: 159.45 High Jul 12
• RES 2: 159.26 0.618 proj of the Sep 16 - Nov 15 - Dec 3 price swing  
• RES 1: 158.55 High Jan 8  
• PRICE: 158.04 @ 06:55 GMT Jan 8
• SUP 1: 156.24 20-day EMA
• SUP 2: 154.44 Low Dec 19  
• SUP 3: 154.16 50-day EMA
• SUP 4: 153.16 Low Dec 17  

USDJPY bulls remain in the driver’s seat and the pair is trading at its recent highs. This week’s fresh cycle high, reinforces current bullish conditions. The recent breach of 156.75, the Nov 15 high, confirmed a resumption of the uptrend and this has paved the way for a move towards 159.45, the Jul 12 high. Moving average studies are in a bull-mode position highlighting a dominant uptrend. Initial firm support is 156.24, the 20-day EMA.