Yen Firms, USD Supported Elsewhere

A modest rise in the yen has been the main focus point in the G10 space to start Friday's session. USD/JPY sits back at 134.05/10, slightly above session lows of 133.96. The firming in yen came post the core CPI beat, with the ex fresh-food, energy measure rising to 3.8% versus 3.6% expected.

• The BBDXY is down slightly on account of yen strength, last around 1224.60. Moves elsewhere are quite muted though. Comments from the Fed's Bostic and Harker have hit the wires, but look to be striking familiar tones.
• AUD/USD is down slightly to 0.6740 level. The Judo Bank preliminary PMIs for April showing further weakness for manufacturing (48.1), but better services (52.6).
• NZD/USD is steady, last near 0.6175, following underperformance yesterday.
• GBP/USD has eased slightly to 1.2435 region. Earlier the Gfk consumer confidence rose to -30 from -36 prior better than the expected -35. Comments from soon to be departing MPC member Tenreyro struck a familiar dovish tone, but hasn't shifted pound sentiment.
• Elsewhere, cross asset signals are close to flat at this stage. Looking further ahead, preliminary PMI data from across the globe will cross, along with UK retail sales. There will also be a range of ECB speakers and comments from Fed Governor Cook (with the Fed going into pre-meeting blackout this weekend).