The U.S. dollar index retreated after approaching 102, FXStreet reported, while mixed early October surveys from Japan and Australia offered contrasting signals ahead of Friday's wider release schedule.
In a report at 18:01 GMT on Oct. 22, FXStreet said the index had neared 102.00 before losing ground in late North American trade. It put EUR/USD near 1.1190 and USD/JPY around 156.70.
Early purchasing managers' index (PMI) reports from Japan and Australia diverged. Reuters and InvestingLive reported Japan's October flash composite PMI at 52.3, unchanged from September. Manufacturing eased to 53.3 from 54.1, while services rose to 52.0 from 51.3. Dow Jones and InvestingLive reported Australia's composite output index fell to 47.7 from 51.3. PMI readings above 50 indicate expansion; readings below 50 indicate contraction.
Japan's Statistics Bureau separately said consumer prices rose 2.1% from a year earlier in September, both overall and excluding fresh food. The index that also excludes energy increased 2.4% year over year.
In its October review, S&P Global described September as a month of renewed momentum in world output and continued price pressure across major developed economies. It linked the activity to investment associated with the AI build-out and a revival in consumer spending. The October surveys could offer an early indication of whether those conditions persisted. S&P Global's calendar lists flash PMIs ahead of comparable official economic data, making them an early survey measure.
Flash PMIs are scheduled Friday, Oct. 23, at 3:30 a.m. ET (07:30 UTC) in Germany, 4 a.m. ET (08:00 UTC) in the euro area, 4:30 a.m. ET (08:30 UTC) in the UK and 9:45 a.m. ET (13:45 UTC) in the United States. The University of Michigan's final October consumer sentiment reading is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (14:00 UTC).
