Dollar holds losses as markets await Fed minutes, speakers

On Wednesday, the US dollar faced declines as investors focused on Federal Reserve minutes and speeches, anticipating potential rate hikes. The euro experienced a seven-week high as French bond yields dropped after the presidential election frontrunner proposed significant spending cuts. Meanwhile, the yen weakened despite a dovish Bank of Japan member expressing support for interest rate increases.

Later, the Federal Reserve will release minutes from its September 15-16 policy meeting, where rates were raised to tackle inflation. Fed policymakers' comments have appeared less hawkish following weaker-than-expected personal consumption expenditures (PCE) and jobs data last week. Gavin Friend, a National Australia Bank strategist, noted the reduced urgency for rate hikes due to softer PCE and payroll reports.

The dollar index rose 0.03% to 101.94, rebounding from a 0.27% drop the previous day. The euro slipped 0.08% to $1.1249, while the yen fell 0.19% to 158.43 per dollar. The British pound decreased 0.08% to $1.3262. Global bond yields have risen due to central bank rate hike expectations and government finance concerns.

France's financial situation has worsened as politicians strive to reduce the budget deficit ahead of a 2027 election. The euro surged on Tuesday after French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen raised her spending cuts target to €140 billion from €125 billion. The Bank of Japan's new policymaker Ayano Sato suggested supporting multiple-stage rate hikes during an interview.

Expectations for a Fed rate hike later this month have waned, but markets still anticipate further increases in the year and next year. However, with limited guidance from Chair Kevin Warsh, markets have reacted sharply to each US data release and policymaker speech. Fed officials Christopher Waller, Neel Kashkari, and Alberto Musalem will speak later on Wednesday, alongside the release of consumer credit data expected to show a decrease in August.