Bank of Japan: median real GDP growth forecasts for fiscal years 2026-28 are 0.7%, 0.7% and 0.8%, versus July projections of 0.6%, 0.8% and 0.8%.

Italy September non-EU trade balance surplus €2.83 bln, prior €2.00 bln.

In Friday Asia trade the dollar weakened broadly and USD/CAD fell for a third straight day as weak tech earnings revived concerns that rising AI spending may not deliver adequate returns, prompting flows into safe‑haven sovereign bonds. Traders remain largely convinced of a December Fed rate hike after Thursday’s US data showed resilient activity and persistent price pressures; elevated oil prices add inflation risk and bolster Fed‑tightening expectations. The Bank of Canada unexpectedly hiked on Wednesday — its first increase since July 2023 — signalling a sudden shift to tightening, which limits CAD downside and caps USD/CAD upside. BOC’s surprise hawkish pivot reduces the case for a material rebound in USD/CAD.