US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Australia Jobs Growth Strengthens Rate Hike Outlook 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Stocks Drag Markets, Fed Rate Outlook Shifts 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
Gold Falls Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Weigh on Prices 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
Oil Prices Rebound as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Return After Ship Attack Near Oman 
Australian Household Spending Rebounds Strongly in May as Travel and Dining Drive Consumer Growth 
Most Asian currencies weakened on Tuesday as Lunar New Year holidays across major regional markets led to thin trading volumes, while the U.S. dollar edged higher ahead of crucial economic data releases. With China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore closed for the holiday, overall market activity remained subdued. Chinese markets are set to reopen next week, keeping liquidity limited in the interim.
The U.S. dollar index and dollar index futures posted modest gains in Asian trade, building on overnight advances. The greenback found support despite light U.S. trading volumes following a Monday market holiday. Investor focus has now shifted to a series of high-impact U.S. economic indicators scheduled for release this week, particularly the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes due Wednesday.
The Fed recently kept interest rates unchanged, highlighting persistent risks to inflation and the labor market. Since that decision, mixed signals from nonfarm payrolls and consumer inflation data have left markets uncertain about the future path of monetary policy. Upcoming reports on industrial production, trade data, and especially Friday’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index—widely regarded as the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—are expected to shape expectations for long-term interest rates.
In currency markets, the Japanese yen strengthened slightly, with USD/JPY slipping 0.2% after recent volatility triggered by weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter GDP data. Concerns over Japan’s economic slowdown have increased speculation about potential stimulus measures, although reports suggest the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates as early as April.
The Australian dollar eased after Reserve Bank of Australia meeting minutes showed policymakers remain cautious following a recent rate hike, citing persistent inflation pressures. Meanwhile, the offshore Chinese yuan hovered near three-year lows, and the Indian rupee remained above the 90 level despite stronger domestic inflation data.
