Dollar's Surge Triggers Market Interventions as Asian Currencies Tumble

The U.S. dollar’s resurgence significantly impacted emerging-market currencies, particularly after China’s decision to lower its yuan reference rate. This move intensified selling pressures across Asia, notably affecting the Indonesian rupiah, Indian rupee, and South Korean won. The ripple effect of the dollar’s strength was felt globally, driving a key index of emerging-market currencies to annual lows and causing corresponding declines in stock markets. In response to severe depreciations, Bank Indonesia intervened to support the rupiah as it crossed 16,000 per dollar for the first time in four years, and South Korean authorities warned against the economic risks of rapid currency fluctuations.