Malaysian Ringgit rose to 4.04 per US dollar, the strongest level since mid-June.

Fed minutes: several participants said price increases over the past year were broad-based, spanning many categories of goods and services.

On Aug. 20 the Russian Defence Ministry said the Pacific Fleet in a planned exercise struck targets off the Southern Kurils (Japan’s Northern Territories). Targets simulated enemy ships at ranges beyond 300 km. Guided‑missile cruiser Varyag launched two Vulkan anti-ship missiles and nuclear-powered submarine Omsk fired Granit cruise missiles. The Bastion coastal-defence system on the Kurils also struck with missiles the ministry identified as "Gaomanao".