Mumbai, July 18 -- The yen bounced to 148.7 in early trade as investors digested June inflation, which eased to 3.3% but stayed above the BoJ's 2% target for the 39th month, keeping rate hike bets alive. Japan's trade surplus narrowed with exports falling again, while fresh 25% US tariffs from August 1 add pressure. Meanwhile, the US dollar slipped to 98.1 yet remains on track for a second straight weekly gain. All eyes now turn to Japan's Upper House election on July 20.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Capital Market....