The U.S. dollar index steadied at 99.15 by 04:43 GMT on Thursday, following a 0.3% gain in the prior session, as investors awaited remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at the Jackson Hole economic symposium.
U.S. personal consumption expenditures data for July showed a 3.7% year-on-year rise, matching June's pace and exceeding a 3.6% forecast, while the monthly increase of 0.2% outpaced expectations. Markets priced in roughly a 60% probability of a Fed rate hike next month, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
The Japanese yen held near 159.36 per dollar, with Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino reiterating the need for timely rate adjustments to preempt inflation pressures. The South Korean won fell 0.3% against the dollar ahead of the Bank of Korea's policy decision.
The BOK raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 3.00%, marking its second consecutive hike. The central bank lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.3% from 2.6%, while maintaining its inflation projection at 2.7%. The updated guidance suggested a terminal rate of 3.25% by year-end.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar gained 0.2% to $0.718 after domestic consumer inflation data. The Chinese yuan traded flat, while the Singapore dollar and Indian rupee each moved modestly lower and higher, respectively.
