The U.S. dollar held steady on Thursday, shrugging off weak domestic data as markets turned hopeful over signs of easing global trade tensions. Despite suffering its steepest monthly decline in over two years through April, the greenback regained ground as President Donald Trump hinted at potential trade deals with China, India, South Korea, and Japan.
In early Asian trading, the dollar rose 0.5% against both the euro and the pound, reaching $1.1328 per euro and $1.3323 per pound. It also climbed to 142.93 yen. Analysts see this as a short-term boost driven by speculation of de-escalating trade disputes. Richard Franulovich of Westpac noted, “We’re in a window here where we’re on a de-escalation path.”
Trump’s comments followed a statement by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who clarified that no formal trade talks with China are currently underway. Meanwhile, U.S. data revealed a surprise GDP contraction in Q1, largely due to a surge in imports ahead of tariff hikes. Yet, economists highlighted resilience in private consumption.
Investors are awaiting key U.S. jobless claims and ISM manufacturing data, but the spotlight is on Friday’s April jobs report, expected to show a hiring slowdown to 130,000. Market focus also turns to the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, as uncertainty around the U.S.-Japan trade relationship and global economic conditions cloud Japan’s interest rate trajectory. No changes are expected, but any dovish signals could weaken the yen further.
The Australian dollar edged up 0.2% to $0.6413 following slightly higher-than-expected inflation data, while the New Zealand dollar remained stable at $0.5940, both showing resilience within their trading ranges.


U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions
U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Key Fed Decision
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions
UK Job Market Shows Persistent Weakness Ahead of November Budget
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High
Japan’s Q3 Economic Contraction Deepens as Revised Data Signals Stronger Headwinds 



