Muscat: The US dollar rose for a second consecutive day against major currencies in Asian trading today, supported by strong labour market data and increased safe-haven demand amid current geopolitical tensions.

According to Oman News Agency, the euro fell 0.2 percent to $1.1757, the yen weakened 0.3 percent to 157.155 per dollar, and sterling declined 0.3 percent to $1.3590. The Australian dollar lost 0.2 percent, while the New Zealand dollar fell 0.3 percent.

The Chinese yuan rose 0.1 percent against the dollar, marking its eighth straight daily gain, as markets anticipated an upcoming US presidential visit to China to discuss economic and geopolitical issues such as energy and artificial intelligence (AI).

Chinese producer prices in April 2026 reached their highest level in 45 months, driven by increased global energy costs, while Chinese exports accelerated due to global demand for AI technologies.

The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six major rivals, held steady at 98.103. This stability was supported by a US jobs report indicating 115,000 jobs were added in April 2026, reinforcing expectations that US interest rates will remain unchanged in the near term.