USD Approaches Yearly Highs Following Strong Economic Data, While JPY Declines

On Wednesday, the dollar edged closer to its highest level since November in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day. This move followed Tuesday’s data indicating persistent inflationary pressures in the American economy.

Meanwhile, the yen dropped to its lowest level since concerns emerged about potential intervention by Japanese authorities on Monday, as traders tested the resolve of the Finance Ministry to intervene.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, inched up by 0.066 percent to 106.370, nearing the 106.51 level, its highest since November 1.

Global trading volumes saw a slight decline due to the Labor Day holiday.

The euro marginally declined to $1.0623, following a 0.52 percent drop the previous day when robust US data bolstered the dollar.

Tuesday’s data revealed an acceleration in US labor costs during the first quarter, with the labor cost index rising 1.2 percent, exceeding economists’ expectations of 1 percent growth.

Stronger-than-expected data prompted investors to temper expectations of US interest rate cuts this year. Traders now anticipate a reduction of only 29 basis points by December, a significant shift from earlier projections of over 170 basis points in cuts.

The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates between 5.25 percent and 5.5 percent unchanged. Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks on the latest data will be closely scrutinized.

The Japanese yen slid 0.08 percent to 157.92 yen against the dollar, after briefly nearing the 158 level before recovering slightly. Traders attributed the yen’s sharp rise on Monday to Japanese authorities’ yen purchases, which occurred after the currency hit a 1990 low of 160.25.

Expectations of persistently low Japanese interest rates compared to those in the US have contributed to the yen’s 12 percent decline this year.

The pound sterling was last seen trading at $1.2482, down 0.06 percent on the day and 1.9 percent lower year-to-date.

The Swiss franc weakened to its lowest level since October on Wednesday, reaching 0.9223 against the dollar. This decline followed the Swiss National Bank’s surprise interest rate cut in March.

Bitcoin experienced a five percent drop to below $58,000 as traders adjusted their expectations for US Central Bank interest rate cuts, impacting interest rate-sensitive assets like cryptocurrencies.