The U.S. dollar’s recent rally came to an unexpected halt during the early Asian trading hours, as financial markets grappled with the shock of a sovereign credit rating downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service. After four consecutive weeks of gains, the dollar’s momentum slowed, reflecting heightened caution amid persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties. This pause underscored the delicate balance between positive trade developments and lingering fiscal concerns weighing on market sentiment.

As global markets digest the latest wave of tariff escalations initiated by the U.S., concerns over sovereign credit ratings have intensified. However, S&P Global Ratings $SPGI has maintained its “stable” outlook on the U.S. (AA+) and China, signaling confidence in the resilience of the world’s two largest economies amid heightened trade tensions.