USD/JPY last seen at Y110.14, 6 pips.....>

DOLLAR-YEN: USD/JPY last seen at Y110.14, 6 pips higher on the day. The rate

climbed to Y110.24 in early indicative trade, before easing off only to move

back into positive territory thereafter.

- Japanese Econ Min Motegi told NHK that Tokyo is preparing to go ahead with the

sales tax increase to 10% from 8% in October, a measure which remains

controversial among some ruling party members.

- On Friday, USD/JPY slid through Asia-Pac hours on Sino-U.S. trade tensions,

before bouncing alongside risk appetite, as U.S. Pres Trump announced delaying

auto tariffs on the EU & Japan. Strong U. of Mich. Sentiment reading also helped

push the rate higher, allowing it to finish 24 pips better off.

- Bulls look to the cloud base at Y110.32, ahead of the 100-DMA at Y110.50.

Conversely, below the 200-HMA at Y109.74 would expose the 100-HMA at Y109.68.

- The initial Japanese focus turns to flash domestic GDP figures, due shortly.

For our DATA PREVIEW piece see MNI Main Wire at 22:03 BST 05/19. Industrial

output (f) will follow later today, with core machine orders & trade balance due

Weds, Nikkei m'fing PMI due Thurs, and CPI due Fri. BoJ's Harada speaks on Weds.