Japan retail sales April +0.8% m/m (prior +1.7%) & +2.9% y/y (expected +2.6%, prior +0.7%)

Industrial output figures also published:

• Japan preliminary industrial production for April -1.3% m/m (expected -0.2%)

USD/JPY had traded higher into the figures and following earlier data:

• Japan unemployment rate (April) 2.5% (vs. expected 2.6% and prior 2.6%)

USD/JPY update now:

The oil price is steadily rising yet again, as I update WTI is above $117. Japan is an enormous importer of energy, rising oil prices are headwind for yen.