Yen loiters around 150 as Middle East anxiety heightens

The Japanese yen is attracting attention in Asia as it hovers near the 150-per-dollar level, with investors divided between expecting a rise in dollar yields and potential intervention by Japanese authorities. Concerns about the Middle East conflict also weigh on markets, while investors await the European Central Bank meeting and US GDP data later in the week. The dollar index is slightly up, the euro is down, and oil prices dipped after the release of US hostages in Gaza. The ECB is expected to keep its rate hiking cycle on hold.