The Japanese yen stabilized around 156.3 per dollar on Friday and was set to end the week little changed, as stronger-than-expected economic data supported the currency. October industrial production and retail sales both exceeded forecasts, while the unemployment rate remained steady. Tokyo’s core inflation also came in above expectations, keeping the Bank of Japan on track for a potential interest rate hike in the coming months. Earlier this week, speculation grew that the central bank may raise rates next month amid concerns over persistent inflation, a weaker yen and reduced political pressure to maintain low rates. For the month, however, the yen is set to decline more than 1% amid mounting worries over Japan’s fiscal position. The cabinet recently approved a 21.3 trillion yen stimulus package, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government reportedly planning to issue at least 11.5 trillion yen in additional bonds to fund the spending.