Headline: Dollar Strength Pressures Risk Assets as RBA Signals Longer Hold
Introduction: Global markets turned defensive as central bank signals and stronger US data lifted the dollar, weighed on equities, and pressured crypto. Traders are recalibrating interest-rate expectations while watching Asia’s policy moves and upcoming labor market reports.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest minutes suggest rates may stay higher for longer if domestic demand remains resilient, even as the door stays open to easing should growth or employment weaken. The board described policy as only “slightly restrictive” and cautioned that inflation could sit above target until mid-2026, reinforcing a patient approach to monetary policy normalization.
Across markets, the US dollar index rose about 0.25% after a firm Empire State manufacturing reading and fewer anticipated Federal Reserve cuts. A stronger greenback pushed gold lower, while silver found support from industrial demand. Asian stocks slipped, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq notched their weakest session in a month. Bitcoin also retreated ahead of a high-profile semiconductor earnings release, with traders eyeing upcoming jobs data for fresh clues on the growth and rates outlook.
Policy headlines added to volatility. A proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend” concept faces a roughly $600 billion cost and would require congressional approval, with potential legal complications that could turn expected inflows into refunds. In China, markets are watching for the People’s Bank of China’s USD/CNY fixing around 7.1096. In Japan, the finance minister’s description of being “alarmed” by recent currency moves marked an escalation in verbal intervention, while noting the government’s stimulus package has grown sizable as funding details are finalized.
Key Points: – RBA minutes indicate rates could remain higher for longer; easing remains possible if growth or jobs soften. – Inflation in Australia may stay above target until mid-2026, keeping policy only slightly restrictive. – US dollar index gains about 0.25%, pressuring gold; silver supported by industrial demand. – Asian equities decline; S&P 500 and Nasdaq log their worst day in a month; Bitcoin weakens ahead of major earnings. – Proposed US “tariff dividend” faces high costs, legislative hurdles, and legal uncertainty. – PBOC watched for USD/CNY fixing near 7.1096; Japan steps up yen verbal intervention as stimulus details evolve.
