USD gains on Trump tariff hints; RBNZ holds rates; China CPI rises

The US dollar strengthened across major pairs during Asian trading, with USD/JPY climbing 0.4% to 157.80 and EUR/USD slipping 0.2% to 1.0830, following reports of potential Trump administration tariff proposals. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand maintained its cash rate at 5.50% as expected, citing persistent inflation concerns, which kept NZD/USD stable near 0.6050. China's CPI data showed a year-over-year increase of 0.3%, slightly above expectations, supporting risk sentiment in regional markets. AUD/USD edged higher to 0.6680, benefiting from positive Chinese data given Australia's trade exposure. The tariff speculation has reinforced dollar strength, with traders pricing in potential inflationary impacts and Fed policy implications. Technical analysis shows USD/JPY approaching key resistance at 158.00, while support for risk currencies may emerge if Chinese economic data continues to improve throughout the week.