European Commission spokesman says the Commission's position on Russia and Ukraine remains unchanged.

Yen approached its strongest levels of the year after extending gains following a break below the 155 handle. USD/JPY fell as much as 0.5% on Tuesday to 153.55; overnight the yen rose 1.2%, leaving it up nearly 4% this month and the best-performing G10 currency. Traders said there was no single catalyst—some cited thin liquidity during a US holiday, others pointed to acceleration after the break below 155. Rising bets on a BOJ rate hike and speculation that the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) may rebalance allocations have also supported the yen; one trader said the 155 breach triggered large stop-losses and forced option dealers to sell dollars. NAB strategist Catrill said the overnight break of that support area clearly opens room for further yen gains and that USD/JPY could test prior lows near 152.27 and 152.10.

UK PM STARMER'S SPOKESPERSON Tom Wells said the government remains committed to the pensions triple lock.