US BLS: IN APRIL, AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS OF PRIVATE-SECTOR PRODUCTION AND NONSUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES ROSE BY 11 CENTS, OR 0.3 PERCENT, TO $32.23

JAPAN GOVT SOUNDED OUT MITSUI & CO, MOL TO JOIN ECONOMIC ENVOY TO RUSSIA ON MAY 26-27, KYODO SAYS

Asian currencies traded mostly steady against the U.S. dollar in early trading, though sentiment remained pressured by rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Commerzbank Research analysts said hopes for a near-term U.S.-Iran agreement faded after U.S. Central Command announced strikes on Iranian military targets in response to attacks on U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The analysts warned that further escalation could jeopardize the U.S.-Iran cease-fire and reinforce broader risk-off market sentiment.