Dollar Bounces Back as Markets Stabilize Amid Currency Swings

The dollar made gains against major currencies, including the yen, after recent declines. The yen stabilized, the Nikkei index rebounded, and equity markets attempted recovery. Currency market movements were influenced by the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike, carry trade unwinds, and expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve policy shifts.

The dollar regained strength against most major currencies on Tuesday, including the Japanese yen which had recently hit seven-month highs against the U.S. currency. The dollar stood at 145.01 yen, a 0.54% increase after a five-day losing streak that saw a 6% decline.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei index bounced back by 10% following a 12% drop the previous day, signaling a reassessment across equity markets. 'I wouldn't be surprised if the market volatility isn't over yet, but clearly, the significant moves we saw yesterday have somewhat normalized,' said Axel Merk, president and chief investment officer of Merk Investments.

The yen's rise was propelled by increased volatility, which led investors to exit popular carry trades, a trend amplified by the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike on Friday. However, according to Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist at Corpay, 'safe haven demand is dissipating, and flows are returning to normal across major currency pairs.'

(With inputs from agencies.)