Dollar abates as vote on tax bill postponed to Friday

The dollar was buoyant against the yen on Friday, despite losing some steam after hitting a 10-day high, as forex investors endured the wait for a vote on a U.S. tax reform bill.

USD/JPY extended its gains 112.69 its highest since Nov. 21, with Wall Street rallying. Treasury yields spiked also giving a lift to the greenback as U.S. tax reform plans were seen progressing towards legislative approval following an endorsement by Senator John McCain.

The dollar retreated however against the euro and last at 112.40 versus the yen, after it was decided that the U.S. Senate will not vote on the tax bill late on Thursday night U.S. time but would continue the debate on Friday. EUR/USD rose to 1.1940 early in European trade.

S&P mini futures slipped slightly after Wall Street shares soared to record highs on Thursday.

Cable continued its rally as GBP/USD rose to 1.3550, and GBP/JPY rallied to 152.49, while EUR/GBP to 0.8788. Optimism on Brexit negotiations is expected to abate next January with the European Commission expected to be quite rigid regarding the conditions of the transitory period.

EUR/CHF rose to a 2017 high at 1.1737 overnight.

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