Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reports Google (GOOG.O) has increased resource allocation to reinforcement learning.

ASB Bank says markets have almost fully priced a 25bp RBNZ hike, leaving limited scope for a hawkish surprise. ASB still expects at least one more rate increase by year-end, with a terminal rate around 3.3%, slightly below current market pricing. If realised, that could prompt modest dovish re-pricing in front-end NZ yields and weigh on the NZD. ASB notes tightening financial conditions—including a stronger trade-weighted NZD and higher swap rates—that the RBNZ is likely to cite, reducing the case for an especially hawkish statement. With two-way risks to medium-term inflation, money and rates markets will remain highly sensitive to NZ data in the months ahead regardless of Wednesday's outcome.

Japan's finance minister Katayama said he spoke with JP Morgan CEO Dimon, who praised recent developments in Japan.