Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi reportedly supports the Bank of Japan moving to raise rates sooner, with the next action possibly in September or October. The shift reflects BOJ concern that a weak yen is pushing up prices and the government's desire to reinforce the recent US-Japan coordinated FX intervention; the two sides are said to be aligning on the need for near-term hikes. The prime minister's office said monetary policy measures, including any rate changes, remain the BOJ's decision bu

The US International Trade Commission said on Aug. 12 it has opened a Section 337 investigation into certain mobile electronic devices, naming Samsung Electronics Co. and Samsung Electronics America as respondents. The probe follows a July complaint by Kyoto-based Maxell alleging patent infringement in devices imported into and sold in the US and seeking a limited exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order under the Tariff Act of 1930, Section 337. The USITC said initiation does not imply a final determination. An administrative law judge will handle evidence and hearings and issue an initial determination; the commission will set the case schedule within 45 days and will issue a final determination after the record is developed.

市场消息：英国央行前副行长兼国际货币基金组织董事米努什·沙菲克已卸任英国首相首席经济顾问一职。