The U.S. dollar briefly dropped to a one-month low under the 140 yen line early Wednesday in Tokyo amid speculation that possible slowing U.S. inflation data, due out later in the day, could prompt the Federal Reserve to dial back its aggressive rate increases.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 140.10-15 yen compared with 140.33-43 yen in New York and 140.53-54 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.1012-1016 and 154.28-39 yen against $1.1004-1014 and 154.41-51 yen in New York, and $1.1007-1009 and 154.69-73 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
Tokyo stocks opened slightly lower, weighed down by exporter issues that drew selling on the yen's strength.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 46.68 points, or 0.14 percent, from Tuesday to 32,156.89. The broader Topix index was down 2.47 points, or 0.11 percent, at 2,233.93.
Decliners included electric appliance, precision instrument, and machinery issues.
