The Australian dollar (AUD) remained weak for the second straight session against the US dollar (USD), with the AUD/USD pair losing ground despite stronger-than-expected monthly inflation data released on Wednesday (8/1). However, the trimmed mean, a closely watched measure of core inflation, fell to 3.2% year-on-year from 3.5%, closer to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) target range of 2% to 3%. Traders are currently pricing in a 55% probability that the RBA will cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35% in February, with a full quarter-point cut expected in April. Australia's...
The Japanese Yen (JPY) languishes near a six-month low against its American counterpart and seems vulnerable to prolonging a one-month-old downtrend amid uncertainty about the timing of the next rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ). Adding to this, the recent widening of the US-Japan yield differential, bolstered by reduced bets for further rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed), validates the near-term negative outlook for the lower-yielding JPY. That said, a combination of factors might hold back the JPY bears from placing fresh bets. Japan's Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato weighed in...
Oil prices rose on Wednesday as supplies from Russia and OPEC members tightened, while data showing an unexpected increase in U.S. jobs openings pointed to expanding economic activity and consequent growth in oil demand. Brent crude was up 32 cents, or 0.42%, to $77.37 a barrel at 0135 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 42 cents, or 0.57%, to $74.67. Oil output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries fell in December after two months of increase, a Reuters survey showed. Field maintenance in the United Arab Emirates offset a Nigerian output hike and gains...
The Japanese yen fell past 158 per dollar on Tuesday, marking its lowest point in more than five months and prompting fresh verbal intervention from a top Japanese official. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato reiterated his warning against speculative and unilateral currency moves, signaling the government's readiness to take action if excessive volatility persists. The comments came as the yen weakened toward the 160 per dollar level, which had previously prompted intervention six months ago. The yen has come under pressure recently amid growing uncertainty over the timing of an interest...