Market Watch: Dollar's sell-off was reversed

Financial and commodity markets analytics

Following the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, the dollar swiftly rebounded from its initial sell-off, surging to new highs against most G10 currencies for the week. Concerns over increased intervention and softer US yields have stabilized the yen, which remains largely unchanged and is currently the strongest performer.

Gold peaked at nearly $2221 yesterday before settling around $2166 today, a slight decline from last week's settlement near $2156.
Meanwhile, May West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices remain steady near $81, with yesterday's low around $80.30 and last week's close near $80.60.

Asia Pacific
Japan reported a rise in Tokyo's Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2.6% from 1.8%, largely attributed to base effects. It's noteworthy that the expiration of subsidies for household energy use next month is expected to boost headline inflation by an estimated 0.4%-0.5%. The upcoming Bank of Japan meeting in April will feature an update on the economic forecast.

The dollar extended its rally against the yen for an eighth consecutive session, reaching around JPY151.85 before settling near JPY151.50 in Europe today.
The Australian dollar faced resistance around last week's high near $0.6640 and has dipped to approximately $0.6510 today after reaching almost $0.6560 in North America yesterday.

Europe 
Following the Bank of England (BOE) meeting, the swaps market has increased the likelihood of a rate cut in June to nearly 85% from less than 60%. Expectations for rate cuts throughout the year have reached about 80 basis points.

The euro experienced fluctuations, peaking near $1.0945 in Asia Pacific before declining to around $1.0855.
Sterling, on the other hand, suffered a larger loss, falling below $1.2585, its lowest level since mid-February.

America
Most of the high-frequency US economic data reported yesterday exceeded market expectations. However, after digesting the new Summary of Economic Projections and comments from Fed Chair Powell, the market reevaluated its expectations regarding the trajectory of Fed policy. Consequently, the likelihood of a rate cut in June decreased to around 78% from approximately 85% on Wednesday.

The dollar remains strong near CAD1.3575, with attention focused on the CAD1.3600 area.