Yen ticks up after better-than-expected data

The Japanese yen tilted higher against most currencies on Thursday, after the release of better-than-expected economic data.

The data showed that the Japanese retail sales index fell only 1.2% in June, vs. forecasts of 6%, and a drop of 12.5% ​​in May.

Japan has reported an increase in coronavirus infections recently, which raised fears over a second wave of the deadly virus.

This came after the British government warned about a second wave of infections in European countries, in addition to a spike in infections at a record pace in Australia and some US states.

This raised fears over the return of the lockdown restrictions again, as the total number of infections surpassed 17 million cases worldwide.

As of 19:51 GMT, USD/JPY fell 0.1% to 104.8, after hitting a day high of 105.2 and a low of 104.8.