Dollar Gains Ground Amid Japanese Intervention Concerns

The dollar gained 0.3% against the yen, trading at 158.44 after Japanese intervention. Bank of Japan data indicates Tokyo spent around 2.14 trillion yen to stabilize its currency. The ECB is expected to hold rates, awaiting guidance from President Christine Lagarde. Cryptocurrencies surged following speculation on Trump's election chances.

The dollar recovered 0.3% against the yen, trading at 158.44 on Tuesday, following likely Japanese intervention intended to stabilize the currency. Bank of Japan data suggested Tokyo spent 2.14 trillion yen in the money markets on Friday. This move, combined with earlier interventions, amounted to nearly 6 trillion yen over the past week.

Japan remains silent on its intervention strategies, but Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated the country is prepared for further actions to counter volatile currency movements. While European markets remained calm, traders were cautious with sterling and the euro ahead of significant financial announcements, including British inflation data and a European Central Bank (ECB) meeting.

The ECB is expected to hold current rates but focus will be on President Christine Lagarde's comments regarding future rate cuts. In the U.S., Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at a potential rate cut in September, aligning market expectations. U.S. retail sales data for June could further influence these expectations. Cryptocurrencies surged on Monday amid speculation about Donald Trump's election prospects.

(With inputs from agencies.)