Markets & FX: The dollar hovered near two-week lows as investors cooled bets on a near-term Fed hike, while the yen stayed near a 40-year low, keeping traders alert to possible Tokyo intervention. Energy & Commodities: Oil slipped after OPEC+ signaled an August output increase, adding to supply uncertainty as regional talks around the Strait of Hormuz stalled. Japan Policy & Fiscal Debate: Doubts are growing over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “Big-boned Policy” plan to mobilize 370 trillion yen by 2040, with critics questioning whether debt-ridden finances can handle the scale. Robotics Push: Japan updated its robotics strategy, targeting 10 million robots by 2040, with healthcare and food production as early priorities. Immigration Costs: Refugee groups warned that Oct. 1 residency fee hikes will offer only narrow exemptions, raising the cost burden for many applicants. Tech & Semiconductors: Socionext is developing a high-performance compute chiplet using TSMC’s A14 process, while Kioxia’s AI-driven rally is set to triple its Topix weighting. Business Deals: AscentHR acquired OS HRS to expand regional payroll and compliance capabilities across Japan and APAC; Japan’s JCAI advised Messer’s purchase of Singapore’s WKS Group. Security & Cyber: Tokyo police arrested a 15-year-old over alleged Bandai Channel subscription cancellations affecting about 46,800 accounts. M&A/Healthcare: Astex and Genentech signed a breast-cancer research collaboration and license deal worth up to $490m.