US Dollar Holds Firm as Traders Await Key US Inflation Data

The US dollar steadied in Asia markets on November 10, supported by robust October payrolls which surged 165,000 against expectations of 65,000, reinforcing bets for a December rate hike by the Federal Reserve. Markets are currently anticipating the release of US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, with headline inflation expected around 3.9% year-over-year and core inflation at approximately 2.8%. Any upside surprise in the CPI figures, which are scheduled for release later today, could intensify hawkish Fed expectations and further support the dollar. The dollar index hovered near a 1½-year high around 102.2.