The Japanese yen depreciated past 157 per dollar on Monday, hitting a two-week low even after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that the central bank will continue raising interest rates if economic and price projections materialize. His comments underscore growing confidence that Japan is moving beyond its long-standing deflationary period toward a more sustainable, growth-driven economy. The yen was further pressured by fiscal concerns due to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s massive spending plans to stimulate growth. Investors also monitored the potential for currency intervention, with business leaders calling on the government to address the yen’s weakness and support a stronger currency. On the external front, markets weighed the impact of the US attack on Venezuela and awaited key US economic data this week that could influence Federal Reserve policy.