Asian currencies saw slight gains on Thursday after recent losses, but market sentiment remained cautious due to rising global trade tensions and fears of a U.S. recession. Meanwhile, the dollar steadied following a mild rebound, despite softer-than-expected U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data for February. While some CPI components suggested inflation was cooling, others indicated it remained sticky, keeping traders on edge.
A surge in U.S. Treasury yields supported the dollar, as concerns grew over a potential recession and heightened trade tariffs under President Donald Trump. The greenback also held firm ahead of producer price index (PPI) data, which could provide further insight into inflation trends.
The Japanese yen remained stable after reaching a five-month high against the dollar, buoyed by safe-haven demand and expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike, possibly as soon as May. The BOJ is expected to maintain rates at its upcoming meeting.
Other Asian currencies moved within tight ranges. The Chinese yuan edged up 0.1% amid anticipation of Beijing’s stimulus measures to counter Trump’s tariffs. The Australian dollar, South Korean won, and Singapore dollar remained mostly unchanged. The Indian rupee rose 0.1% after inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% threshold, increasing the likelihood of rate cuts.
Despite a softer CPI reading, inflationary pressures from Trump’s tariffs persist, with new 25% duties on steel and aluminum taking effect this week. Markets now await the PPI report for further inflation signals, with the Federal Reserve set to meet next week. A softer inflation outlook could pave the way for additional rate cuts.


Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns
Japan Keeps Markets Guessing as Yen Nears 40-Year Low, Raising Intervention Risks
France Faces Long Road to Economic Rebalancing as Weak Demand and High Rates Weigh, Says Citi
US Stock Futures Recover as Iran Signals Progress in Peace Talks
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Supply Concerns
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed
100+ Global Companies Push Governments to Prioritize Electrification for Economic Growth
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth
U.S.-Iran Diplomacy Helps Drive Gasoline Prices Down 15% From May Highs
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets
Dollar Holds Firm as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Tensions, GBP/USD Slips Amid UK Political Uncertainty
US Dollar Hits One-Year High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Overshadows Middle East Developments
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 



