Market participants are now awaiting Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda's press conference later today, after the central bank maintained its interest rates as widely expected. Investors are eager to see if his stance on further rate hikes has changed.

Goldman Sachs analysts said in a research note: "With the Fed pivoting towards easing monetary policy, some market participants are eager to see if there will be any change in this stance." They added that Kuroda's views on the impact of the recent yen appreciation on the economy and prices are also worth watching.