Japan data: December Unemployment rate 2.4% (expected 2.5%)

Strong labour market in Japan:

Inflation data out at the same time. All three rates are well above the Bank of Japan 2% target and argue for further tightening on the meetings ahead. Currently the prospect of a a May rate hike is firming in the betting.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.