The U.S. dollar rose to a 10-week peak against the yen on Thursday as markets grew more confident about a patient approach by the Federal Reserve to further monetary easing, even as a key inflation report loomed later in the day.
Most Asian stocks drifted higher on Thursday with focus on key U.S. inflation data for more cues on interest rates, while Chinese markets logged wild swings as Beijing flagged plans for more fiscal stimulus measures.
Most Asian stocks rose on Wednesday with technology shares tracking gains in their U.S. peers, while Chinese markets fell sharply as investors were disappointed by a lack of details on more stimulus measures.
Oil prices edged up on Wednesday as developments in the Middle East took centre stage against cautious demand expectations and ahead of a government meeting on China's fiscal policy.
The dollar drifted sideways on Wednesday, giving some relief to the yen and other major currencies after a sharp rally to a seven-week high last week, as investors paused to assess the interest rate outlook for the United States.
Most Asian markets fell on Tuesday, tracking overnight weakness in Wall Street as strength in the U.S. job market drove bets that interest rates will remain relatively high.