The market returned to the trend of dollar-buying.

The market is still focusing on interest rate differentials.

The dollar had been oversold on worries that damage inflicted by Katrina would be extensive and very serious.

The dollar is relatively firmer against other currencies on the market due to growing expectation of further rate hikes in the United States ... following the remarks by Poole.

Investors are waiting for the FOMC minutes to confirm whether their current view on rate hikes is correct.

A strong CPI figure could be the market's deciding factor for a rate rise in March.

A positive CPI will reinforce the market view that a US rate hike in May will happen.

The speculation on the chance of further rate hikes in March has been increasing to about 70 percent as the market wants to focus on the positive parts of US data.

There's speculation that once the New Year begins, the market may return to trades based on interest-rate differentials.

Expectations are building up in the market that the BOJ may wait longer than previously thought before raising interest rates. That will make it easier for people to resume carry trade.