EUR/USD
1.17903
-0.190%
Gold
3653.05
-0.186%
Oil
63.324
-0.443%
USD/JPY
147.277
0.201%
GBP/USD
1.36019
-0.159%
GBP/JPY
200.330
0.054%
Real-time News
On September 18th, Japans top government spokesman and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi pledged to ensure sustained real wage growth of around 1%, a key component of his policy platform aimed at securing the leadership of the ruling party. The Chief Cabinet Secretary unveiled the policy proposal, dubbed the "Hayashi Plan," on Thursday, with wage growth listed as a core priority. Hayashi released the policy outline ahead of the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, which officially begins next week. He is expected to compete against four other candidates, including Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi. Voting is scheduled for October 4th. A recent Kyodo News poll showed Hayashi in third place with 11% support, trailing Sanae Takaichi at 28% and Shinjiro Koizumi at 23%.Futures data for September 18th: 1. WTI crude oil futures trading volume was 730,850 contracts, down 85,192 contracts from the previous trading day. Open interest was 1,937,875 contracts, down 24,745 contracts from the previous trading day. 2. Brent crude oil futures trading volume was 109,111 contracts, down 15,858 contracts from the previous trading day. Open interest was 206,041 contracts, up 868 contracts from the previous trading day. 3. Natural gas futures trading volume was 376,926 contracts, down 71,013 contracts from the previous trading day. Open interest was 1,624,934 contracts, down 13,746 contracts from the previous trading day.Japanese Liberal Democratic Party member Toshimitsu Motegi: We will discuss with the United States how to enhance Japans deterrence capabilities within the framework of the Japan-US alliance.Japanese Liberal Democratic Party member Toshimitsu Motegi: If conditions permit, we will negotiate with the United States on further reducing tariffs.Oriental Selection (01797.HK) rose 15% during the day, with a turnover of nearly HK$2 billion.