Asia FX falls on weak Chinese trade data, dollar strengthens

Investing.com– Most Asian currencies fell on Tuesday as disappointing Chinese trade figures weighed on sentiment, while the dollar advanced amid uncertainty over the Federal Reserve and anticipation of key inflation readings this week.

Government data showed that both Chinese and shrank at their fastest pace since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to continued weakness in Asia’s largest economy as it struggles to stimulate growth.

But the strengthened 0.3%, aided largely by a stronger-than-expected daily midpoint fix from the People’s Bank of China. Markets are also awaiting data on on Wednesday, which is expected to have remained muted in July. 

Most China-exposed currencies retreated on Tuesday, given that worsening trade conditions in China bode poorly for the broader Asian economy.

China-exposed currencies hit by weak trade data

The shed 0.6% after the Chinese reading, while the lost 0.2%.

The , which is also highly sensitive to Chinese trade, sank 0.5% after the data, also coming under pressure from a private survey showing that worsened in August.

Among Southeast Asian countries with large trade exposure to China, the and sank 0.3% each. 

China is a major trading partner for most of Asia, with a demand slowdown in the country presenting future export weakness for several east and Southeast Asian countries. 

Among broader Asian currencies, the slid 0.6%, coming under pressure from a stronger dollar, while stronger-than-expected data also pushed up bets that the Bank of Japan will tighten policy this year.

The was slightly higher ahead of a on Thursday, where the RBI is expected to keep interest rates on hold. 

Dollar strong ahead of CPI data 

The dollar firmed in Asian trade, extending overnight gains as markets positioned for a potentially stronger reading this week.

Some hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials also aided the greenback, as Fed Governor Michelle Bowman said that more rate increases will be needed to curb high inflation. 

The and rose 0.3% each, while also pushed higher.