Dollar Unmoored as Traders Unsure on US Tariffs 

US dollar banknotes are seen in this photo illustration taken February 12, 2018. (Reuters)
US dollar banknotes are seen in this photo illustration taken February 12, 2018. (Reuters)
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Dollar Unmoored as Traders Unsure on US Tariffs 

US dollar banknotes are seen in this photo illustration taken February 12, 2018. (Reuters)
US dollar banknotes are seen in this photo illustration taken February 12, 2018. (Reuters)

The dollar was adrift on Wednesday, with weak US confidence data and concerns about the effect of sweeping tariffs on US growth putting the brakes on a recent bounce.

After briefly crossing below 150 yen, the dollar floated to 150.55 yen in the Asia session, but traders lacked conviction, while a messy week of tariff hits looms.

The euro, which spent a week edging lower from a five-month high, has steadied around $1.0783. Sterling held steady at $1.2931 ahead of British inflation data and a budget update due later in the day.

The euro and Russia's rouble had little immediate reaction to US deals with Russia and Ukraine to pause attacks at sea and on energy targets, though wheat prices fell as the US said it will push to lift sanctions on Russian agriculture.

That leaves the focus on next week, when US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose - or at least provide details of - a new round of tariffs on autos, chips and pharmaceuticals.

The trade-sensitive Australian dollar hovered just above 63 cents, wavering only slightly when February consumer inflation data came in a bit softer than expected.

It barely responded to Tuesday's federal budget, which promised tax cuts and extra borrowing to fund relief measures for voters ahead of a May election.

"The major driver of AUD/USD over the next few weeks, and possibly months, will be the new US trade policy and the response from foreign governments," said Commonwealth Bank of Australia strategist Joe Capurso.

"If market participants are caught flat footed by larger than expected US tariffs and retaliation by other governments next week, AUD/USD can test $0.60 in coming weeks."

The New Zealand dollar was a tad firmer at $0.5750.

Tariffs and threats of the duties have already driven counterintuitive moves in currency markets as concerns they may drive down US growth have confounded the assumption that the levies should be inflationary and drive up the dollar.

Data released on Tuesday showing US consumer confidence plunged to the lowest level in more than four years in March highlighted how the uncertainty is weighing heavily on households.

For the quarter, the dollar index - which had rallied strongly between September and January - is headed for a roughly 4% drop. It was stalled at 104.32 in the Asia afternoon.

In emerging markets, Türkiye's lira found a footing just below 38 to the dollar after the finance minister and central bank governor told investors they would do whatever was needed to tame market turmoil triggered by the arrest of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival.

Indonesia's currency teetered near a record low as worries over slowing growth and rising government spending shook confidence in Southeast Asia's biggest economy.



Saudi Arabia’s GAMI Participates in Paris Airshow 2025 to Boost Global Partnerships

GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)
GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s GAMI Participates in Paris Airshow 2025 to Boost Global Partnerships

GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)
GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) launched on Monday its participation at the International Paris Airshow 2025, held at Paris-Le Bourget Airport until June 22.

The opening day was attended by GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, and Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad Al-Ruwaily, along with numerous officials, experts, and experts from around the world.

Al-Ohali emphasized that GAMI’s participation in the airshow aligns with its efforts to strengthen international partnerships, attract high-value investments, and empower national talent.

These efforts contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, including the localization of over 50% of military spending, he added.

Such international engagements underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing global influence and highlight the significant progress made in developing investor-friendly policies, regulations, and an industrial environment that supports the sector’s growth both domestically and globally, he stressed.

GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector.

The sector aims to support the national economy and achieve sustainable security by building international partnerships that serve mutual interests.