Yen Rises Amid Rising Risk Aversion

The Japanese yen strengthened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Monday amid rising risk aversion, after North Korea failed in its attempt to test another missile and the U.S. said it is working with China and other allies to develop a "range of options" against the country's "provocative and destabilizing" behavior. Meanwhile, uncertainty about the upcoming French election also fueled demand for safe-haven assets.

Last Friday, the yen had risen 0.47 percent against the euro, 0.33 percent against the pound, 0.45 percent against the franc and 0.48 percent against the greenback.

In the Asian trading, the yen rose to more than a 5-month high of 114.85 against the euro, from Friday's closing value of 115.21. The yen may test resistance near the 113.00 region.

Against the pound and the Swiss franc, the yen advanced to 5-month highs of 135.59 and 107.68 from last week's closing quotes of 135.92 and 107.96, respectively. If the yen extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 133.00 against the pound and 106.00 against the franc.

Against the yen and the Canadian dollar, the yen climbed to 5-month highs of 108.13 and 81.26 from last week's closing quotes of 108.56 and 81.43, respectively. On the upside, 107.00 against the yen and 80.00 against the loonie are seen as the next resistance levels for the yen.

Looking ahead, U.S. Empire State manufacturing index for April and U.S. NAHB housing market index for April are due to be released in the New York session.

Most currency markets are closed for Easter holidays.