U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
The U.S. dollar stayed firm on Friday, extending gains after its strongest daily performance in three weeks. Markets reacted to the Federal Reserve’s steady interest rate stance and cautious outlook on future cuts. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized there’s “no hurry to move,” highlighting uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade tariffs.
The dollar index held steady at 103.81 in early Asia trade, following a 0.36% rise on Thursday. Earlier this week, the index had touched a five-month low at 103.19, retreating from its January high of 110.17. Market sentiment has shifted from optimism over Trump’s economic policies to concern over a potential U.S. recession triggered by ongoing trade tensions.
Risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars remained pressured. The Aussie hovered at $0.6303 after Thursday’s 0.86% drop, while the kiwi stabilized at $0.5766 following a 1% plunge, despite GDP data showing New Zealand's economy exiting recession.
The euro remained weak at $1.0854 after falling 0.45% as traders hesitated to push it past $1.1000. Sterling dipped slightly to $1.2961, and the dollar ticked up 0.07% against the yen to 148.88. It also stayed firm against the Canadian dollar at C$1.4321.
With a new round of reciprocal tariffs expected on April 2, market watchers like Pepperstone’s Chris Weston note increased caution, as traders reduce short positions and adopt a more neutral stance on the greenback. As global uncertainty persists, the dollar’s stability amid Fed policy and trade risks continues to guide currency markets.
