Investing.com - The Japanese yen was a tad weaker on Monday as the market awaited central bank minutes and looked ahead to Greece for a vote in parliament on a reform package needed to secure further loans from the euro zone.
USD/JPY traded at 119.06, up 0.03% against the dollar.
The Bank of Japan is to publish the minutes of its latest policy meeting, which contain valuable insights into economic conditions from the bank’s perspective.
Markets in China are to remain closed for a national holiday.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was quoted at 94.40.
Last week, the euro pushed higher against the dollar and the yen on Friday after euro zone finance ministers agreed on a deal to extend Greece’s bailout by four months.
The euro zone approved the extension of Greece’s €240 billion bailout, removing concerns that the country would face a liquidity crunch when its current bailout agreement expired at the end of the month.
Markets have been hit by growing concerns over a possible Greek exit from the euro area if the country missed a debt payment.
Athens has until Monday to present a list of reforms to be approved by the country’s creditors in order to secure the four-month bailout extension, which will give it more time to reach a lasting agreement with its creditors.
Earlier Friday, data showed that euro zone private sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in seven months in February, but firms continued cutting prices, underlining concerns over persistently low levels of inflation.
The Markit composite flash purchasing managers' index, which measures activity in the manufacturing and services sectors, rose to 53.5, the highest since July 2014 from a final reading of 52.6 last month.
In the week ahead, Tuesday’s testimony by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to the Senate Banking Committee will be closely watched for any indication on when U.S. interest rates may start to rise.
Traders will also be watching Monday’s deadline on Greece's financial rescue package.
On Monday in Germany, the Ifo research group is to publish its report on business climate.
The U.K. is to release private sector data on retail sales.
Later Monday, the U.S. is to publish a report on existing home sales.