CHINA'S WERIDE-W (00800.HK) rose more than 20% intraday, now up 15.5%, after reports it is seeking to spin off its Robovan autonomous freight-vehicle unit for separate financing; the unit is valued at about $400m.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Bullock said current oil prices are consistent with the bank's baseline forecast.

SOMPO senior economist Masato Koike says markets should focus on how much the Bank of Japan signals about the future pace of rate hikes and whether a Middle East peace deal alters that outlook. He expects the BOJ to signal a hawkish tilt at today's press conference but cautions Deputy Governor Uchida rarely leaves room for clear guidance, so the bank may signal hawkish intent without providing precise forward guidance.