 Japanese Yen gained significant ground in the Asian session, supported by stronger-than-expected nominal wage growth, which bolstered the likelihood of further BoJ rate hikes. Additionally, continued rise in real wages for the second consecutive month, despite being largely driven by seasonal bonuses, adds to the argument that wage pressures could help sustain inflation near the 2% target. Supporting this outlook, BoJ monetary affairs director Kazuhiro Masaki told parliament that the central bank is prepared to continue adjusting monetary support and raising rates if underlying inflation progresses toward its 2% target. These remarks reaffirm the expectation that Japan’s interest rate normalization will proceed gradually but steadily this year. While Yen leads gains in the forex market, overall sentiment is mixed, with trade war concerns temporarily fading into the background. Canadian Dollar is currently the strongest performer this week, followed by Yen and Swiss Franc. Dollar lags behind as the weakest, joined by Euro and New Zealand Dollar. Sterling and Australian Dollar are treading a middle ground.... | 
