BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
The U.S. dollar extended gains against the yen for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, boosted by rising U.S. yields and renewed trade tensions. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Japan and other nations, with more trade-related proclamations expected. Trump stated that "a minimum of 7 countries" will be addressed in new announcements, fueling speculation on further tariffs or deals.
The dollar rose 0.2% to 146.85 yen, hitting a two-week high, as markets priced in higher U.S. yields and fiscal concerns in Japan ahead of the July 20 upper house elections. IG analyst Tony Sycamore noted stalled U.S.-Japan talks, largely due to Japan’s rice market protections, which remain a sticking point.
The dollar index held steady at 97.582 after two days of gains, reflecting strength across major peers. The euro remained flat at $1.1720, while the British pound slipped 0.1% to $1.35795. The Australian dollar dipped to $0.6526, while New Zealand’s kiwi traded at $0.5993.
Trump’s tariff plans include a 50% duty on imported copper, with semiconductors and pharmaceuticals also targeted in upcoming measures. Meanwhile, the European Union is reportedly seeking exemptions from the 10% U.S. baseline tariff, according to EU sources.
Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda voiced concerns about inflationary pressures from rising rice prices, which could have second-round effects on core inflation. Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the G20 finance meeting in South Africa but is set to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
As global markets react to trade policy shifts and currency movements, investors remain focused on central bank responses and geopolitical developments.
