Bank of Japan: The median real GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2025 is 1.0%, compared with 1.0% in October.

New Zealand Prime Minister: Six defense force personnel will join the international coalition and go to the Red Sea to help protect shipping.

ABN Amro: We expect the Bank of Japan to keep its policy unchanged. We still expect a very gradual rate hike cycle to begin in mid-2024, by which time the Bank of Japan will have more insight into wage and inflation developments.

The Australian dollar AUD/USD broke through 0.66, rising 0.46% on the day.

Brazilian Finance Minister Haddad: One of the members of the central bank committee may become the governor of the central bank.

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1.00% during the day.

Brazilian Finance Minister Haddad: There was no discussion on the independence of the central bank.

ING: The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its YCC policy and negative interest rate policy unchanged at its January meeting. Inflation is likely to slow further in January as caution following the recent earthquakes will prevail.

Sri Lanka kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at 10%.

The main contract of iron ore expanded to 2.00% during the day and is now quoted at 971.50 yuan/ton.

A Thai government spokesman said that Thailand’s GDP will grow by 1.8% in 2023.

Market news: Asia Genesis hedge fund will close its macro fund.

According to Nikkei: Nippon Steel sent a delegation to Washington last week to discuss the acquisition of U.S. Steel (XN).

Illinois State Police: Seven people were killed in shootings in two places in Illinois.

The Nikkei 225 opened 0.2% higher.

Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Harzius: We don’t see a major blow that will lead to a recession in the U.S. economy.

Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Hartius: The Fed is on the way to a soft landing.

U.S. officials: The Houthis have eliminated important strike capabilities.