{
  "id": 1934178,
  "title": "US dollar softens as bond market steadies ahead of Fed minutes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/us-dollar-softens-as-bond-market-steadies-ahead-of-fed-minutes",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-19T12:04:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
    "slug": "the-business-times-companies-markets",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/us-dollar-softens-bond-market-steadies-ahead-fed-minutes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Wednesday, the US dollar weakened against major currencies as investors anticipated insights from the Federal Reserve's minutes following a dip in Treasury yields. With a light data calendar leading up to the Fed's announcement, markets sought catalysts, potentially putting more weight on the minutes. The Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, had been cautious about the rate outlook, and Middle East tensions added to market concerns.\n\nThe euro gained 0.31% to US$1.1611, nearing a two-month high, while the British pound increased 0.22% to US$1.3562 following UK inflation data for July, which matched expectations. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen strengthened 0.35% to 159.04 per dollar, moving away from the 160 level after withdrawing most of its intervention gains.\n\nThe dollar index, which gauges the US currency relative to six major peers, declined 0.29% to 99.36. Yields on US Treasuries appeared to be easing, with the 10-year note falling to 4.696% and the 30-year bond dipping to 5.283% after peaking near 20-year highs. However, some cautioned against complacency, noting that yields remained elevated, and a rise could impact various markets.\n\nTom Samuelson, chief investment officer at Vineyard Global Advisors, stated that a 10-year Treasury yield of 4.8% to 5% would signal a \"warning track.\" Should the 10-year Treasury yield surpass this range, it could cause unease and compress the valuations of high-flying technology stocks. Fixed-income strategist Harvinder Kalirai from Alpine Macro added that if the Fed failed to follow through on anticipated rate hikes, the upside for bond yields would be limited.\n\nData from recent weeks indicated a softer US economy, including unexpected job losses in July and mild inflation readings, prompting investors to revise down rate-hike expectations. Kalirai explained that if the Fed did not follow through on the rate hikes being discounted, the bond yield advantage would narrow, contributing to a weaker dollar.\n\nMeanwhile, tensions in the Middle East lifted oil prices to near three-week highs, maintaining inflation risks. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that no talks were ongoing with Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz remained open. Iran, however, claimed the strait remained closed to shipping. Canadian dollars rose slightly to US$1.3870 after Trump temporarily halted the implementation of a 50% tariff on Canadian goods for three days, citing a deal between the two countries.",
  "summary": "The greenback slips against major peers as a sell-off in Treasuries eased",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}