The yen strengthened in Asian trade Monday, despite comments from senior MOF official Kuroda suggesting there was no reason for the yen to strengthen. Instead, dealers looked to reports that GE Capital is to buy a controlling interest in Sony Life from Sony Corp. for a sum of between Y500 and Y800 billion as a sign of further flows into the yen. The euro edged higher against the dollar, despite dealer opinion that little inspiration was gained from the weekend Ecofin meeting.