The Japanese yen weakened to 149.45 per dollar on Wednesday, touching its lowest level since April, extending its slide as the US dollar rose following the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady at 4.25%-4.5%. The 9-2 vote included dissents from two governors favoring cuts amid signs of easing inflation and labor market softness. During the regular press conference, Chair Powell said no decision has been made for September, and the Fed’s outlook noted a slowdown in first-half growth, a shift from earlier “solid” assessments. Investors also weighed the outcome of US-China trade talks in Stockholm, which ended without a tariff truce extension. Domestically, focus turned to the Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy decision, with rates expected to remain steady and inflation forecasts likely to be revised higher. Political pressure also mounted on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign, though he pledged to remain in office.