USDCNH Exchange Rate

Suggesting softer economic conditions lay ahead, the Conference Board released a report on Friday showing a continued decrease by its reading on leading U.S. economic indicators in the month of April. The Conference Board said its leading economic index fell by 0.6 percent in April after dipping by 0.3 percent in March. Economists had expected the index to decrease by another 0.3 percent.

With a surge in utilities output offset by decreases in mining and manufacturing output, the Federal Reserve released a report on Thursday showing U.S. industrial production came in flat in the month of April. The Fed said industrial production came in unchanged in April after inching up by a downwardly revised 0.1 percent in March.

Philadelphia-area manufacturing activity saw a notable slowdown in the pace of growth in the month of May, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia on Thursday. The Philly Fed said its diffusion index for current general activity tumbled to 4.5 in May from 15.5 in April, although a positive reading still indicates growth.

The Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing U.S. import prices jumped by much more than expected in the month of April. The report said import prices shot up by 0.9 percent in April after climbing by an upwardly revised 0.6 percent in March. Economists had expected import prices to rise by 0.3 percent compared to the 0.4 percent increase originally reported for the previous month.

The benchmark US 10-Year Treasury yield tumbled to 4.44% from 4.50% yesterday following a downward revision in US March Producer Prices. While April’s US PPI rose 0.5%, March’s PPI was revised down to -0.1% from 0.2% previously.

The Dollar Index (DXY) steadied, settling at 105.30 (105.20) ahead of more Fed speak this week. US Treasury Yields rebounded, with the 10-Year Rate climbing to 4.50% (4.45%).

The Australian Dollar soared past the 0.66 cent mark to 0.6620 (0.6585), outperforming it Peers following higher Iron Ore and base metal prices.

Recent developments, including a more dovish tone from the Federal Reserve, softer US survey data, and below-expectation payrolls, prompted significant adjustments in US rates and the USD. The initial anticipation of potential rate hikes shifted as market sentiment turned towards a more cautious outlook, leading to a re-evaluation of USD positions. While USDJPY intervention played a role, it was p