Investing.com-- Asian currencies were mixed on Friday, moving in tight ranges ahead of U.S. reciprocal tariffs, as the Japanese yen gained after strong Tokyo inflation data, while the Australian dollar slipped on expectations of unchanged interest rates next week.
Most regional currencies were set to edge lower for the week.
The US Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies, ticked 0.1% higher in Asian trading.
Market participants await the U.S. PCE price index data — the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation — due later in the day.
Trump’s April 2 tariffs approach, investors on the edge
Investors remained cautious ahead of President Trump’s impending reciprocal tariff announcements on April 2. Markets were wary of potential trade disruptions, keeping risk appetite in check.
Moreover, Trump on Wednesday said he will impose a 25% tariff on all imported automobiles and auto parts not produced within the U.S., effective April 2.
Recent media reports suggested that President Donald Trump might implement a more selective approach to reciprocal tariffs next week.
However, investors remained on the edge, weighing the potential impact of these tariffs on regional currencies, which have already been under pressure from recent tariff announcements and escalating global trade tensions.
The Chinese yuan’s onshore USD/CNY was largely unchanged while the offshore USD/CNH pair edged up 0.1%.
The South Korean won’s USD/KRW pair inched 0.1% higher.
The Singapore dollar’s USD/SGD pair ticked up 0.1%, while the Philippine peso’s USD/PHP was muted.
The Indian rupee’s USD/INR pair ticked down 0.1%.
“Early reports indicate India might reduce tariff duties selectively and explore ways to improve US market access. This, in our view, significantly lowers the risk of a blanket reciprocal tariff on Indian imports,”
The Thai baht’s USD/THB pair rose 0.4%, while the Indonesian rupiah’s USD/IDR gained 0.2%.
Japanese yen ticks up as Tokyo CPI bolsters BOJ rate hike bets
The Japanese yen’s USD/JPY pair rose 0.2%.
Data on Friday showed that Tokyo’s consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.9% year-on-year in March, from 2.8% in the prior month data, indicating persistent inflationary pressures in Japan’s capital.
Core CPI, which excludes fresh food prices, stood at 2.4%, against expectations it would remain steady at 2.2%.
Rising service prices and wage growth have kept underlying inflation resilient.
Persistent inflation above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target has fueled speculation of a policy shift, with markets eyeing a potential rate hike by May.
"Stronger-than-expected Tokyo consumer price inflation, and signs of broadening pressures, support our long-held view that the Bank of Japan will hike in May," ING analysts said in a note.
Aussie dollar slips on expectations of RBA hold next week
The Australian dollar’s AUD/USD pair fell 0.4% on Monday.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep its cash rate steady on Tuesday next week, awaiting clearer signs of easing inflation, a Reuters poll showed. Most economists still anticipated two rate cuts this year, likely starting in May.
While lower rates ease cost-of-living pressures, aggressive cuts could overheat Australia’s already expensive housing market, a key issue ahead of the May general election, the poll stated.