Dollar steady on US optimism, but risks loom

TOKYO, June 23, 2014 (AFP) - The dollar was steady during Asian trade on Monday, buoyed by optimism about the US economic recovery.
The greenback bought 101.96 yen following gains it made at the end of last week which pushed it to 102.06 yen in New York on Friday.
The euro was also little moved, buying $1.3611 and 138.76 yen, against $1.3597 and 138.79 yen in New York.
Dealers were encouraged by the US Federal Reserve's decision last week to retain the ultra-low interest rate policy. The bank's chief indicated rates would remain low well into next year.
Once the US economy shows clear signs of recovery, the nation's short-term interest rates will likely rise and boost the dollar against the yen, said Akira Moroga, manager of the forex products group at Aozora Bank.
Until then, however, "market participants will likely watch each US economic indicator" such as gross domestic product data to be released on Wednesday, he told Dow Jones Newswires.
However, it was unlikely to be all plain sailing for the US unit.
Osamu Takashima, chief FX strategist at Citigroup Global Markets Japan, warned that a weaker yen and higher Japanese stocks are unlikely to continue to coexist.
The current strength of Wall Street shares, high hopes for the upcoming Japanese growth strategy, and expectations for additional monetary easing by the Bank of Japan are likely to recede over time, he said.