The Japanese yen weakened past 152 per dollar on Thursday, nearing eight-month lows amid growing speculation that new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will unveil a large-scale stimulus package as early as next month. Reports indicated the plan could exceed last year’s 13.9 trillion yen initiative aimed at easing inflation pressures on households. Takaichi, confirmed as prime minister on Tuesday, is expected to pursue expansionary fiscal policies and support accommodative monetary policy. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is widely anticipated to keep rates unchanged next week, with markets now projecting the next hike in January. Traders also monitored trade headlines after reports that the US may restrict exports to China involving US software. President Donald Trump later said his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is “scheduled,” easing some concerns over US-China relations.