The dollar edged up against peers on Thursday, shaking off earlier losses versus the yen, supported by signs that investors' risk appetites were improving again and by optimism on US tax reforms. The greenback was 0.1 percent higher at 112.380 yen after dropping by 0.25 percent overnight.
The dollar had slipped against the yen after President Donald Trump on Wednesday recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, imperilling Middle East peace efforts and upsetting Washington's friends and foes alike. "The impact of the 'risk off' moves that weakened the dollar against the yen stemming from the Middle East developments appears to have been limited. It likely served as a pretext for speculators to cover some yen shorts," said Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo.
"We could still see participants try to sell the dollar on upcoming 'risk off' events. But the dollar is positioned to absorb much of the selling pressure, with many players poised to buy on dips," he said. Dollar/yen on Thursday rose in line with a surge in Tokyo shares, which had slumped the previous day on Middle East concerns.
The US currency rose to a two-week high against a basket of six major currencies as optimism towards US lawmakers' making progress on tax legislation grew. Upbeat US private-sector employment data released on Wednesday also provided support. The dollar index was little changed at 93.543 after rising to 93.650 overnight, its highest since November 22.
The euro was steady at $1.1803 after slipping 0.25 percent overnight, when it hit a two-week low of $1.1780. Bitcoin briefly soared to a record high of $14,095.00, continuing its surge from below $1,000 at the beginning of the year, despite questions about the cryptocurrency's real value and worries about a dangerous bubble. Later, Bitcoin was down 0.25 percent at $13,590.01 at the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp exchange.
The Canadian dollar nursed deep losses suffered overnight after the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady and showed enough caution to dampen expectations for a hike early next year. The loonie was effectively flat at C$0.9895 per dollar after retreating 0.8 percent the previous day.
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