US Dollar Slammed, USD/JPY Sinks on Treasury Buybacks
US Indices 2026-08-20 08:16 source ↗

US Dollar Slammed, USD/JPY Sinks on Treasury Buybacks

By Matt Simpson | August 19, 2026

Overview

The US dollar experienced a significant decline, marking its worst performance in three weeks, as increased Treasury buybacks led to lower long-end yields. This downward pressure on the dollar also affected the USD/JPY currency pair, pushing it towards critical support levels.

Treasury Buybacks Impact

The US Treasury's decision to increase its buybacks of longer-dated bonds resulted in a sharp decrease in yields, particularly for the 30-year bond, which fell from 5.3%—a level not seen since 2007. This decline in yields diminishes the attractiveness of US assets to global investors, contributing to the dollar's weakness.

On the day of the announcement, the dollar index (DXY) fell by 0.8%, breaking through several key support levels, including the 98.67 swing low. Analysts are now closely monitoring whether this trend will continue.

Technical Analysis

Technical indicators suggest that the US dollar index has broken below its trendline and the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA). The USD/JPY pair is also showing signs of bearish momentum, with traders anticipating a potential break below the 200-day EMA.

As the market reacts to the Treasury's actions, the focus shifts to the 30-year yield. If it rebounds towards 5.3%, the recent selloff in the dollar may be viewed as an overreaction. Conversely, if yields remain suppressed, the dollar could lose further support.

Market Sentiment and Future Outlook

Market participants are speculating whether the Treasury's buybacks will establish a soft ceiling for long-term yields, which could have broader implications for the dollar, gold, and equities. The USD/JPY pair is under scrutiny as traders anticipate further declines, especially if the Ministry of Finance (MOF) decides to intervene in the currency market.

Currently, USD/JPY is attempting to hold above the 158 level, with potential resistance around 158.60 and 158.80. A break below 158 could lead to further declines towards the 157.65 and 157.00 support levels.

For more insights and analysis, follow Matt Simpson on Twitter @cLeverEdge.

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Informational only. Not investment advice.
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