Dollar Steadies Amid Key U.S. Inflation Data Anticipations

The dollar stabilized, recovering some losses from previous sessions as traders awaited a key U.S. inflation reading. The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index release, a preferred measure by the Federal Reserve, was the main focus. Investors considered potential rate cuts amidst varied currency impacts and global policy shifts.

The dollar steadied on Thursday, recuperating some of its recent steep losses, as traders anticipated a significant U.S. inflation reading scheduled for the end of the week. This data might provide further insights into the future trajectory of interest rates.

The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index's release on Friday is the highlight of an otherwise subdued week in terms of major market-moving data. This has left currency movements largely constrained within narrow ranges. The dollar maintained its overnight gains in early Asia trade on Thursday, having risen 0.48% against a basket of major currencies in the previous session, attributed partly to month-end demand.

Investor sentiment towards imminent U.S. rate cuts was further solidified by recent remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, reinforcing expectations of a 25-basis-point reduction next month. This anticipation has notably weakened the dollar, causing a 2.9% decline thus far this month, marking its steepest monthly drop in nine months. Meanwhile, the euro, sterling, and Australian dollar saw varied changes in their values against the greenback, with global policy shifts impacting broader currency trends.

(With inputs from agencies.)