US dollar still gaining ground

<p>The first trading day of the new year here in Asia has seen the US dollar trade b=higher, most notably against the yen and CHF. </p><p>EUR, AUD, NZD, GBP and Cad have also lost ground. CAD has received some support from higher oil prices. </p><p>Over the weekend were Middle East concerns:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.forexlive.com/news/rising-middle-east-tensions-increase-the-likelihood-of-us-strikes-on-houthi-bases-in-yemen-20240102/" target="_blank" rel="follow" data-article-link="true">Rising Middle East tensions increase the likelihood of US strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen</a></li></ul><p>Locally in the region here was an attack on a senior political figure in South Korea:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.forexlive.com/news/the-south-korean-opposition-leader-has-been-stabbed-at-a-media-appearance-20240102/" target="_blank" rel="follow" data-article-link="true">The South Korean Opposition Leader has been stabbed at a media appearance</a></li></ul><p>2024 is kicking off just fine … ugh. </p><p>USD/JPY:</p><p>The earthquake on Sunday in Japan blipped the yen higher earlier, but that's reversed and more. </p><ul><li><a href="https://www.forexlive.com/news/magnitude-76-earthquake-hits-japan-20240101/" target="_blank" rel="follow" data-article-link="true">Magnitude 7.6 earthquake hits Japan</a></li></ul>

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.