USD/JPY breaks above 144.25 resistance as bulls gain momentum

USD/JPY has surged through critical resistance at 144.25, advancing 0.4% (58 pips) to 144.45 as bullish momentum accelerates. The pair successfully breached a key confluence zone comprising the 200-hour moving average and the 50% Fibonacci retracement of May's decline, located between 144.124 and 144.257. This technical breakout signals a potential shift in market structure, with buyers now targeting the 61.8% retracement level at 144.85. The move comes despite earlier pressure from stronger-than-expected Japanese core inflation data, which initially sparked speculation of more aggressive Bank of Japan policy normalization. Technical indicators suggest further upside potential, with the RSI entering bullish territory above 60. Immediate support has formed at the broken resistance zone around 144.25, while a sustained move above 145.00 could open the path toward May's highs near 146.50.