On Monday, the dollar experienced a downturn, influenced by Japan’s interventions to support the yen and actions by the Chinese government to rally the yuan, both of which exerted downward pressure on the U.S. currency.
The yen saw a modest increase of 0.1%, reaching 151.29 against the dollar, recovering from its recent low point that nearly matched a 32-year nadir. This recovery contributed to a 0.16% decline in the dollar index to 104.26, following a near 1% increase the previous week.
Japan’s firm stance on the yen’s undervaluation has been reinforced by recent government statements, indicating a commitment to counteracting the currency’s depreciation. Despite the Bank of Japan’s move to raise interest rates, market participants anticipate that Japan’s rates will remain relatively low, keeping the dollar’s appeal strong due to the significant interest rate differential with the U.S.
Experts, including Carol Kong from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, highlight the impact of Japan’s verbal interventions on limiting further gains in the dollar/yen exchange rate.
Meanwhile, the yuan experienced a resurgence, with the onshore yuan appreciating by approximately 0.2% and the offshore yuan by about 0.4%. Reports indicate that China’s state banks actively participated in stabilizing the yuan by selling dollars in onshore markets, a move that follows recent fluctuations in the Chinese currency.
The yuan’s strength is seen as a counterbalance to the dollar’s recent gains, supported by strategic comments from Japanese officials and Chinese market actions.
European currencies also reclaimed some ground, with the euro and sterling advancing against the dollar. The financial community is closely watching the European Central Bank and the Bank of England for potential rate cuts, especially after the Swiss National Bank’s recent decision to reduce borrowing costs.
In the crypto realm, Bitcoin saw a notable increase of 5.4% to $66,900, despite a recent downturn from its all-time high.