The dollar index ticked up in Asian trade Thursday and remained above the 102.00 mark, near Wednesday's two-week high. Traders are waiting for U.S. Q3 preliminary GDP and the PCE price index later today; strong prints would reinforce market pricing of a December Fed rate hike and push the dollar higher. The Fed signalled a hawkish pause on Wednesday, so softer data may have limited immediate impact. Qatar-led mediation is working to restart U.S.-Iran talks to avert renewed conflict; a persistent

U.S. President Trump acknowledged Vice President Pence sent a letter to Iranian officials but said the contact concerned provision of medical and other aid, not restarting peace negotiations. The Wall Street Journal reported Pence wrote to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Rezaei seeking to revive talks; when asked if he had instructed Pence to do so Trump said “no,” but confirmed he approved the outreach after Pence asked and described it as authorizing delivery of supplies to help sick people.

摩尔曼斯克北极港口方面表示，在港口和船只遇袭后俄罗斯将贸易从黑海改道，该港已开始装载首批谷物。