Dollar at week high as markets raise doubts over Iran ceasefire

The dollar steadied in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as skepticism over US ​President Donald Trump’s announcement of an indefinite extension of a ceasefire with Iran lifted demand for the safe-haven ‌currency, pushing it to a one-week high. On the policy front, Federal Reserve nominee Kevin Warsh’s comments at a Senate confirmation hearing were interpreted as slightly hawkish, while strong retail sales data provided an upbeat view on the strength of the American economy. The U.S. dollar index , which measures the greenback’s strength against a ​basket of six currencies, was steady at 98.415, its highest level since April 13. “There was a modest risk-off tone overnight ​amid renewed uncertainty around U.S.–Iran peace talks,” analysts from Westpac wrote in a research report.