TOKYO — The Japanese yen strengthened after Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda suggested at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Thursday that a rate hike in December is possible.

The currency gained as much as 0.45% to 152.05 to the dollar from around 153.30 at the start of Ueda’s press conference. The currency had recorded minor losses and gains before the presser, and was at 152.50 when it wrapped up.