A resurgent US dollar — up more than 4% in the past two months — has weakened the appeal of investing in emerging markets, and especially in countries where central banks are beginning to easing monetary policy. China’s yuan is the biggest drag on the asset class, with investors preparing for the world’s second-biggest economy to lower bank reserve ratios and roll out more stimulus.
The yuan wobbled on Tuesday even after policymakers followed up a verbal defense of the currency with a stronger local fix on Tuesday. Eastern European currencies posted some of the worst losses globally as sentiment on the region continued to sour following Poland’s larger-than-expect cut to interest rates last week. Thailand’s baht fell after the government raised minimum wages.
In Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledged to raise the daily minimum wage by as much as 22%, a year after the nation increased the metric by 5%, to help citizens cope with price growth. The nation’s bonds and currency fell.In India, where data showed inflation slowed more than forecast, the rupee held its gains. The country has held off its first rate cut in more than three years as price growth remains above targets and the rupee trades close to a record low.
Investors are now awaiting Wednesday’s US inflation report to reassess the amount of hawkishness they’ll require from emerging-market central banks. A softer print could help them unwind some of the selloff of the past week.Friday brings interest-rate decisions from China, Russia and Peru.
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