Published at 01:28 (GMT) 29 Jul
USD/JPY fixing at 123.54.
Yonhap: North Korea has completed construction to upgrade its main rocket launch facility, but is still showing no signs of preparations to launch a long-range rocket or missile from the facility, a US research institute said Tuesday.
The website 38 North made the assessment citing recent satellite imagery of the North's Sohae Satellite Launching Station. South Korean officials said last week Pyongyang completed upgrading the facility to enable it to handle bigger rockets, and a launch could come around the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party in Oct.
On FX, USD/JPY at "day lows" 123.53-54, within 10-15pips range of 123.53 to 123.63. Offers at 124.00-10, bids at 123.40-50, good bids at 123 lows. Eye Japan lifers, pension funds, investors and corporate bids. Eye any Meiji Yasuda/ StanCorp $5bln Cash M+A related interest. Also NKS-FT GBP844mln bids.
JPY/KRW down at 9.36-9.38, down from the 8-month highs around 9.50 seen on Tuesday. Highest level since Nov 12 2014 9.5321. Support now at 9.25/9.00. BoK will continue to watch the pair closely.
USD/KRW lower at 1,157.9, down from Tuesday close of 1,164.9. Range of 1.157.1 to 1,161.0 so far. Focus on Fed FOMC - could see more upside, on hawkish Fed. Bids at 1,155/1,150.
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