Investing.com– Most Asian currencies kept to a tight range on Wednesday, while the dollar pulled back from over two-year highs as traders awaited key consumer inflation data that is likely to factor into the outlook for interest rates.

Focus remained on incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for more trade tariffs, while comments from several Federal Reserve officials were also on tap. 

Traders were also awaiting an interest rate decision in China and labor market data from Australia- due in the coming days- for more cues on Asian markets. 

The Chinese yuan’s pair hovered around a 16-month high, while the Australian dollar’s pair fell 0.2% and remained close to a five-year low. 

Concerns over higher U.S. rates pressured most other Asian currencies. The Japanese yen’s pair was flat, taking little support from Bank of Japan comments that the central bank will debate raising interest rates when it meets next week. 

The Singapore dollar’s pair rose 0.1%, while the Indian rupee’s pair rose slightly after hitting a record high of more than 86.6 rupees. Indian fell to a four-month low in December, data showed on Tuesday.

Dollar hovers below 2-yr high with CPI on tap 

The and steadied in Asian trade after falling from a more-than two-year high in overnight trade.

Weakness in the dollar was driven largely by inflation data reading softer than expected for December. The reading spurred some hopes that inflation will ease and give the Fed more headroom to keep cutting interest rates.

But certain components of the PPI reading- which also factor into data, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge- read stronger for December, indicating that underlying inflation likely remained high.

Focus is now squarely on inflation data, due later on Wednesday, for more cues on interest rates. The reading comes amid growing anxiety that sticky inflation will keep U.S. interest rates higher for longer, especially after the Fed warned of a slower pace of rate cuts this year.

Focus was also on Trump’s plans for trade tariffs, which central bank members warned could underpin inflation in the long term. Reports this week showed Trump’s team was considering a plan for gradual tariff increases. 

South Korean won steady after President Yoon’s arrest 

The South Korean won’s pair was steady after local media reports said impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested over a failed attempt to impose military law in December.

Authorities apprehended Yoon at the Presidential compound in their second attempt this month to arrest the President, who will now be tried for insurrection. 

Yoon’s arrest marks a potential end to heightened political uncertainty in South Korea after his impeachment in early-December. The won had slumped to its weakest level since 2009 amid heightened political uncertainty.




Source link

Best Brokers

Unmatched trading fees, generous bonuses, top notch Regulation Frame.

T&Cs Apply

Risk disclosure: All investments involve a degree of risk of some kind. Trading financial derivative products comes with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Top-Tier Regulations. Unmatched Spreads and Commissions. Trading View is available.

T&Cs Apply

Financial Spread Trades and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 84.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Modern and Intuitive Interfaces, Solid Regulatory Frame, and excellent Trading Fees.

T&Cs Apply
Risk warning: Trading derivatives is highly speculative, carries an inherent risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Before trading, you are strongly advised to read and ensure that you understand the relevant risk disclosures and warnings.

Highly Regulated. Low Spreads and Commissions. Vast Account Options.

T&Cs Apply

Risk Warning: Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment.