Dollar clings to two-month peak as Fed rate-hike bets mount, yen slides

The U.S. dollar reached a two-month high as markets anticipated Federal Reserve rate hikes, pressuring the Japanese yen towards intervention levels. Mounting inflation concerns led nearly half of Fed policymakers to expect a hike this year, with strong retail sales further bolstering hawkish sentiment. Fresh Gulf uncertainties also supported the dollar by elevating oil prices.