|

Asian FX rallies as USD weakens on recession fears, tariff uncertainty

USD remains offered across the board as investor flows shift sharply into Asia, following a record 6% two-day surge in the Taiwan dollar (TWD) and strong gains in the Korean won (KRW), Chinese yuan, and Thai baht (THB). Markets are reassessing US asset exposure amid weakening U.S. growth and erratic trade policies, with the greenback under sustained pressure.

Asian selling continues, amplified by speculation that Taiwan and other regional economies may be allowing currency appreciation to ease trade tensions with Washington. The Singapore dollar (SGD) and Malaysian ringgit (MYR) have also firmed as capital pours into the region, defying the historical trend of FX depreciation as a shock absorber in trade disputes.

Nil news on tariffs, aside from the latest US levies targeting foreign filmmakers. However, the broader trade war rhetoric lingers, with analysts noting that Asia’s tolerance for currency strength may be shifting amid changing trade dynamics and rising intra-Asian commerce.

FOMC due Wednesday, with markets watching for signals of rate cuts later this year. Bank of England meets Thursday, likely to stay on hold, but the focus will be on forward guidance as the global central bank divergence narrative deepens.

Author

Patricio Martín

Patricio is an economist from Argentina passionate about global finance and understanding the daily movements of the markets.

More from Patricio Martín
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD struggles for direction amid USD gains

EUR/USD is trimming part of its earlier gains, coming under some mild downside pressure near 1.1730 as the US Dollar edges higher. Markets are still digesting the Fed’s latest rate decision, while also looking ahead to more commentary from Fed officials in the sessions ahead.

GBP/USD drops to daily lows near 1.3360

Disappointing UK data weighed on the Sterling towards the end of the week, triggering a pullback in GBP/USD to fresh daily lows near 1.3360. Looking ahead, the next key event across the Channel is the BoE meeting on December 18.

Gold losses momentum, challenges $4,300

Gold now gives away some gains and disputes the key $4,300 zone per troy ounce following earlier multi-week highs. The move is being driven by expectations that the Fed will deliver further rate cuts next year, with the yellow metal climbing despite a firmer Greenback and rising US Treasury yields across the board.

Litecoin Price Forecast: LTC struggles to extend gains, bullish bets at risk

Litecoin (LTC) price steadies above $80 at press time on Friday, following a reversal from the $87 resistance level on Wednesday. Derivatives data suggests a bullish positional buildup while the LTC futures Open Interest declines, flashing a long squeeze risk.

Big week ends with big doubts

The S&P 500 continued to push higher yesterday as the US 2-year yield wavered around the 3.50% mark following a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut earlier this week that was ultimately perceived as not that hawkish after all. The cut is especially boosting the non-tech pockets of the market.

Aave Price Forecast: AAVE primed for breakout as bullish signals strengthen

Aave (AAVE) price is trading above $204 at the time of writing on Friday and approaching the upper boundary of its descending parallel channel; a breakout from this structure would favor the bulls.