USD/JPY eyes 150.00 as yen weakens; FTSE 100 breaks resistance

USD/JPY climbed 0.5% to 149.65, approaching the psychologically important 150.00 level as the Japanese yen weakened against most major currencies despite ongoing speculation about Bank of Japan policy normalization. The pair has gained 180 pips over the past week, with momentum indicators suggesting further upside potential. Market participants remain focused on the wide interest rate differential between the US and Japan, with the Fed maintaining hawkish rhetoric despite the pause. The FTSE 100 index simultaneously broke through key resistance at 7,680, advancing 0.8% as UK equities benefited from positive earnings and a weaker pound against the euro. Technical analysis for USD/JPY shows immediate resistance at 150.00, with a break potentially accelerating gains toward 151.20. Support is established at 149.00, making current levels attractive for trend-following strategies.