The USD posted gains in early Asia-Pacific....>

FOREX: The USD posted gains in early Asia-Pacific dealing, before softening as

the JPY led the way overnight.

- BoJ Gov. Kuroda noted that the Bank was not considering a comprehensive

assessment of its monetary policy at present, although he did stress that the

Bank needs to continue with its monetary easing in a persistent manner. USDJPY

moved to session lows around 106.50 after Kuroda's comments, following a foray

above 107.00 in the earlier part of the session.

- GBPUSD briefly topped 1.40 at the start of a risk-heavy week for GBP. In terms

of weekend developments, BoE dove Ramsden sounded more upbeat on wage growth,

while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to reveal a preference for remaining in

the European customs union later today, opening up the possibility of a cross

party partnership which could undermine PM May. It is also worth noting GBPUSD

has a lumpy 2.3bln worth of option expiries rolling off at 1.40 at today's NY

cut.

- Elsewhere AUD, NZD, CAD & EUR followed the USD's gyrations.