Kiuchi, Japan's minister of economy and finance, said the Bank of Japan has performed well on policy.

U.S. natural gas futures posted their largest gain in over two months after weather models turned sharply warmer. The Weather Company said forecasts show much warmer conditions over the next few weeks, especially across the U.S. Midwest and South, likely boosting electric cooling demand and gas-fired power burn. Pipeline flows to Gulf Coast LNG terminals jumped to the highest level in more than a month as some facilities appear to have completed seasonal maintenance, reducing domestic surplus; those bullish factors prompted hedge funds to buy gas futures aggressively.

Axios reports a senior U.S. official said the White House views Netanyahu’s statements on a Gaza plan as election-season political posturing and is unconcerned. The White House understands his domestic political pressures and will not object so long as Israel complies with U.S. requests—particularly to limit strikes on Gaza.