The Japanese yen traded around 158 per dollar on Thursday, near a three-week low, as stronger U.S. private-sector activity data boosted expectations for further Federal Reserve rate hikes and supported the dollar. Rising Treasury yields and elevated oil prices added to concerns about inflation, increasing pressure on the yen. Traders were also watching for possible intervention as the currency neared the closely monitored 160 level. Reports said the Bank of Japan conducted a rate check with market participants last Friday, while its rate hike last week was viewed as insufficiently hawkish after two officials dissented. Separately, S&P Global data showed Japan’s manufacturing growth slowed to a seven-month low in September as output and new-order growth weakened.