Dollar holds near two-week high as traders await US jobs data

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. dollar held near a two-week high on Monday, supported by expectations of tighter monetary policy after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh adopted a hawkish tone. The Japanese yen slipped below 160 per dollar, raising the likelihood of intervention by Japanese authorities to support the currency. Investors are awaiting Friday's nonfarm payrolls report and next week's consumer inflation data, both viewed as key inputs for market expectations ahead of the Fed's September meeting. The dollar index, which tracks the currency against six peers, edged down to 99.6 after climbing 0.6% on Friday to its highest level since Aug. 17. The euro was up 0.1% at $1.1591 and sterling traded at $1.3539, putting both currencies on track for a second straight monthly gain. The yen briefly touched 160.01 per dollar after crossing the 160 threshold on Friday. Brent crude rose 2% on concerns over U.S. airstrikes on Iran's Lark Island and rising tensions in the Gulf, which also lent support to the dollar. The New Zealand dollar was flat at $0.5916, while the Australian dollar added 0.1% to $0.7163.