Group 1 - The Indian Rupee is expected to be one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia due to the pressure from increased tariffs imposed by the US, which is impacting India's already fragile economic recovery [1][3] - Analysts from Deutsche Bank and Barclays predict that the Rupee's exchange rate may fall to a historical low by the end of the year, driven by weak foreign capital inflows and tariff impacts [1][3] - The Indian stock market has experienced an outflow of $11 billion due to economic slowdown, and the central bank's interest rate cuts have further weakened support for the currency [1][3] Group 2 - Barclays estimates that high tariffs could reduce India's GDP growth rate by approximately 30 basis points [3] - The market is focused on the Indian central bank's policy meeting on August 6 for clues on interest rate direction and Rupee trends, following an unexpected 50 basis point rate cut last month [3] - Despite foreign exchange reserves being near historical highs, Citigroup economists believe that uncertainty around tariffs limits the central bank's motivation to aggressively support the Rupee [3] Group 3 - The Rupee has depreciated by 1.2% last week, reaching an exchange rate of 87.5275 Rupees per US dollar, marking the largest weekly decline since December 2022 [3] - Some analysts remain optimistic about a potential trade agreement between the US and India, which could improve the situation for the Rupee [3] - Weak foreign capital inflows continue to be a headwind for the Rupee, with limited prospects for significant bond market inflows due to the central bank's indication of limited rate cut space [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's hawkish stance has led to significant volatility in the Asian foreign exchange market, prompting the Bank of Indonesia to intervene to stabilize the Indonesian rupiah [1][4]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Impact - The Federal Reserve's Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that the decision on interest rate cuts in September remains uncertain, which has driven the dollar to a two-month high, adversely affecting emerging market currencies [1][4]. - Powell's comments during the FOMC press conference did not provide guidance on a potential rate cut in September, suggesting that current interest rates are appropriate amid uncertainties regarding tariffs and inflation [4]. Group 2: Indonesian Central Bank's Actions - The Bank of Indonesia confirmed its intervention in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the rupiah, which had depreciated by 0.4% to 16,460 per dollar, marking its lowest level in over a month [1][4]. - Erwin Hutapea, the Executive Director of the Bank of Indonesia, stated that the central bank is using various tools, including spot transactions, non-deliverable forward contracts (NDF), and government bond purchases, to maintain the stability of the rupiah [4][5]. Group 3: Market Reactions - The strengthening of the dollar has put pressure on the Indonesian rupiah and other regional currencies, with concerns that strong U.S. economic performance may delay the Fed's rate cut timeline [5]. - The dollar index reached a two-month high, contributing to widespread pressure on Asian currencies, including the Indonesian rupiah [5].

Core Viewpoint - The central bank of Indonesia aims to maintain the stability of the Indonesian rupiah and ensure inflation remains within the target range [1] Group 1 - The Indonesian central bank governor emphasized the commitment to stabilizing the currency [1] - The focus on controlling inflation aligns with the bank's monetary policy objectives [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Indonesian Rupiah has strengthened due to capital inflows and the central bank's stabilization measures [1] Group 1 - The central bank of Indonesia has implemented measures that have contributed to the stability of the Rupiah [1] - Increased capital inflows have positively impacted the currency's strength [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Governor of Bank Indonesia stated that measures will continue to stabilize the Indonesian Rupiah in response to global fluctuations [1] Group 1 - The central bank is committed to implementing strategies to manage currency stability amid external economic pressures [1] - Ongoing global volatility has prompted the need for proactive measures to protect the value of the Rupiah [1]

Group 1 - The central bank of Indonesia has intervened in the spot market, offshore NDF market, and domestic NDF market to stabilize the Indonesian rupiah exchange rate [1]

Core Viewpoint - The trend of de-dollarization is gaining momentum among various countries, particularly in Asia, driven by factors such as trade agreements and increased investment in alternative assets like gold and digital currencies [1][3]. Group 1: Indicators of De-dollarization - A recent study by Forex Complex identified three main indicators of de-dollarization: the decreasing share of the dollar in national reserves, the increasing share of gold, and the growing use of alternative currencies in bilateral trade [3]. - Countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan are leading the efforts in de-dollarization, indicating a systematic shift away from reliance on the dollar [3]. Group 2: Regional Developments - ASEAN has established an agreement prioritizing local currency transactions to mitigate risks associated with U.S. monetary policy changes and trade restrictions [3]. - Indonesia has reported that approximately 15% of its trade with China and Japan is conducted using alternative currencies, including the use of the Indonesian rupiah for transactions with Japan [3]. Group 3: Impact of the Pandemic - The trend towards reducing dependence on the dollar has become particularly pronounced following the COVID-19 pandemic, as many Asian countries seek to lessen their reliance on a dollar-denominated financial system [5]. - The rise of the Chinese yuan is notable, with China establishing closer ties with ASEAN and Middle Eastern countries through yuan-denominated trade [5]. Group 4: Current Currency Shares - As of March, the yuan accounted for approximately 4.1% of global payment shares, significantly lower than the dollar's 49%, but its growth potential is considerable given China's economic size and growth prospects [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Indonesian Rupiah has appreciated by 0.6%, reaching its highest level since March 10 [1] Group 1 - The increase in the Indonesian Rupiah indicates a strengthening of the currency in the foreign exchange market [1]

Group 1: Dollar Outlook - The US dollar is expected to continue weakening, with strategists from JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank indicating a bearish sentiment among traders, the highest in five years [1] - The dollar index has dropped 6% against a basket of currencies this year, reflecting concerns over the unpredictability of US policy [1] - There is skepticism among investors regarding the Trump administration's intentions to weaken the dollar to support US manufacturing [1] Group 2: Market Reactions - The S&P 500 index rose 4.5% this week, driven by optimism in tech stocks and subdued inflation data, with US stock funds attracting approximately $19.8 billion in inflows, the first in five weeks [4] - Despite a brief rise in the dollar following news of a temporary tariff reduction between the US and China, it later retraced most of its gains, indicating a lack of confidence from international investors in the US narrative [4] Group 3: Investment Trends - Deutsche Bank noted a slowdown in capital inflows into US assets, with Taiwan's banks reviewing their risk management agreements for US investments, suggesting a potential decrease in US Treasury purchases [6] - JPMorgan strategists argue that the softening of US tariff positions will support economic growth in other regions, boosting their currencies [7] - Investors are increasingly looking to short the dollar against currencies from countries holding significant dollar reserves, with a focus on the South Korean won and Indonesian rupiah [7]

Group 1 - The Taiwanese dollar (TWD) experienced a significant appreciation, with the USD/TWD exchange rate dropping 7-8% over two consecutive days in early May, marking a historical volatility record that affected overall Asian currency fluctuations [1] - The Central Bank of Taiwan stated that the appreciation was not due to pressure from the US, but rather driven by exporters concentrating their foreign exchange settlements [1] - Taiwanese life insurance companies are unlikely to sell off their US dollar assets in the short term, despite the pressure from TWD appreciation and rising hedging costs, as US Treasury bonds remain a scarce long-duration asset [1][5] Group 2 - The next potential focus for currency movements in Asia includes the TWD and Malaysian ringgit (MYR), which are expected to benefit from high dollar deposit ratios and strong export settlement potential [2] - The South Korean won (KRW) is anticipated to have room for appreciation due to its high correlation with USD/CNY amid a downward trend in both currencies [2] - The Singapore dollar (SGD) is expected to perform solidly in the long term, supported by diversified asset allocation by the central bank and its AAA credit rating [2] Group 3 - The Chinese yuan (CNY) is projected to remain stable with a slight strengthening trend, as policymakers prefer a stable exchange rate path despite tariff pressures and capital outflow risks [2] - The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is expected to maintain a strong position within its linked exchange rate system, bolstered by robust southbound capital inflows and significant liquidity injections by the Monetary Authority [2] - The Indian rupee (INR) faces pressure from geopolitical tensions and potential foreign exchange reserve accumulation by the Reserve Bank of India, making it difficult to outperform other high-yield currencies in the short term [2] Group 4 - The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is considered undervalued, with expectations for a rebound due to manageable fiscal deficit risks and lower oil prices reducing subsidy expenditures [2]