2338 GMT - Japanese stocks may rise on lingering hopes for a pause by the Fed in raising rates. U.S. economic data released Friday showed weak retail sales and consumer sentiment, backing the case for the Fed to refrain from tightening monetary policy soon. Nikkei futures opened 115 points higher at 68855 on the SGX. The dollar is at 159.21 yen, compared with Y159.30 late Friday in New York. The Nikkei Stock Average closed 0.6% higher at 68713.80 on Friday.