BOJ governor flags gradual hikes but vague on timing
Dollar holds near oneyear high as yields support
Euro steadies, with eyes on Trump39;s Treasury pick

SYDNEYLONDON, Nov 18 Reuters The dollar climbed against the yen on Monday after Japan39;s top central banker flagged further monetary policy tightening ahead but left open the question of timing, while the euro steadied after falling to a oneyear low late last week.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that interest rates would continue to rise gradually should the economy develop in line with the central bank39;s outlook.

However, he made no mention of whether a hike would come in December, saying the BOJ would need to pay attention to various risks, including for the U.S. economy.

This was his first opportunity to speak directly on monetary policy since Donald Trump39;s victory in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5.

The lack of clear guidance saw the dollar rise 0.51 to 154.95 yen and away from Friday39;s low of 153.86. It pulled back late last week after Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato on Friday put the market on warning of possible intervention if the yen fell too far and too fast.

Market participants were watching closely to see if he would give any clear signal that the BoJ are planning on raising rates one more time this year, said Lee Hardman, currency analyst at MUFG. However, Governor Ueda refrained from providing any clear signal.

The market was pricing a roughly 55 chance of…