Dollar Holds Steady Amid Market Fluctuations and Economic Data

The US dollar maintained its strength close to a one-week high against major currencies, driven by a significant drop in US jobless claims, which alleviated fears of an economic downturn. Meanwhile, China's yuan gained on robust inflation readings. The yen and Swiss franc remained near one-week lows as riskier currencies held higher positions.

The US dollar hovered near a one-week high against major currencies on Friday, following the largest drop in US jobless claims in nearly a year, easing concerns of a looming economic downturn. China's yuan advanced due to stronger-than-anticipated inflation figures and a firm official exchange rate.

The US currency remained steady against the Japanese yen after a three-day rebound, supported by higher Treasury yields and stronger-than-expected employment data, reducing bets on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. The yen and the Swiss franc, both safe-haven currencies, stayed close to one-week lows as Asian equities followed Wall Street's recent rally, with riskier currencies like the Australian dollar and sterling maintaining elevated positions.

Markets experienced a volatile week, primarily triggered by unexpectedly weak US payroll data that led to a global stock decline and higher demand for safe-haven currencies. The dollar edged down 0.1% to 147.08 yen as of 0450 GMT, despite Monday's sharp 1.5% drop. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 233,000 for the week ended Aug. 3, the most significant drop in nearly 11 months.

(With inputs from agencies.)