Dollar gains amid mounting U.S.-China tensions

The U.S. Dollar rose earlier on Wednesday in Asia as tensions grew between the U.S. and China over Beijing’s decision to implement national security laws in Hong Kong and Macau.

The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.26% to 99.168 by 12:06 AM ET (5:06 AM GMT).

U.S. President Donald Trump promised a strong Washington reaction by the end of the week. China retaliated, threatening with countermeasures against any action from the U.S.

The Japanese Yen rose by 0.02% to $107.55, while the Chinese Yuan gained 0.34% to $7.1582.

Down Under, the Australian Dollar slid by 0.10% to $0.6644, while the New Zealand Dollar lost 0.14% to $0.618.

Meanwhile, the British Pound Sterling fell against the Dollar by 0.13% to $1.2315.