Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Rebounds Ahead of Fed Rate Decision 
MAS Holds Monetary Policy Steady as Strong Growth Raises Inflation Risks 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
ECB’s Cipollone Backs Digital Euro as Europe Pushes for Payment System Independence 
U.S. and Taiwan Strengthen AI, Semiconductor, and Drone Cooperation at High-Level Economic Talks 
Asian Stock Markets Rise on AI Optimism Ahead of Fed Decision and U.S. Tech Earnings 
South Korea Industry Minister Heads to Washington Amid U.S. Tariff Hike Concerns 
UK Vehicle Production Falls Sharply in 2025 Amid Cyberattack, Tariffs, and Industry Restructuring 
Dollar Slumps to Four-Year Lows as Trump Shrugs Off Weakness, Fueling Confidence Crisis 
Gold Prices Hit Record High Above $5,500 as Iran Strike Fears Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
UK Housing Market Gains Momentum in Early 2026 as Mortgage Rates Fall 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Fed Decision and Big Tech Earnings Loom 
Oil Prices Climb as U.S. Cold Snap, Dollar Weakness Tighten Supply Outlook 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Lower as Tech Earnings and Fed Decision Shape Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Smash Record Above $5,200 as Haven Demand Surges 
Asian Currencies Decline as Dollar Strengthens Ahead of Key Data Releases
Asian currencies experienced slight declines on Tuesday as traders adopted a cautious stance, anticipating a series of significant economic reports. A stronger U.S. dollar, boosted by recent gains, pressured regional currencies as concerns over upcoming economic data and political events influenced trading sentiment.
Japanese Yen Stabilizes Amid Political Uncertainty
Following a steep drop to near three-month lows, the Japanese yen managed a modest recovery, gaining 0.2% against the U.S. dollar. This uptick came after Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring currency market volatility. The yen had fallen sharply post-election, as Japan’s ruling LDP coalition lost its majority, introducing heightened political uncertainty. Analysts expect the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to hold interest rates steady in its Thursday meeting, with policymakers cautious given the political backdrop.
Dollar Maintains Strength Amid Key U.S. Economic Data
The U.S. dollar index remained stable, hovering near recent highs, supported by expectations of a gradual approach to interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Traders await U.S. GDP data on Thursday, followed by the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE price index, and nonfarm payrolls on Friday. These indicators could provide further insights into the Fed’s monetary strategy.
Regional Currency Movements
Asian currencies generally softened amid dollar strength. The Australian dollar fell 0.2% ahead of its inflation report, while China’s yuan gained 0.2% as markets awaited PMI data to gauge Beijing’s recent stimulus impact. The South Korean won and Singapore dollar also rose modestly, while the Indian rupee held near recent record lows.
