Dollar Heads for Strongest Monthly Gain Since July

The United States dollar maintained its dominance in Asian trading on Tuesday, heading toward its most significant monthly appreciation since July. The currency has emerged as the primary safe-haven asset as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drive energy costs higher and increase the risk of a global economic downturn. The U.S. Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of currencies, touched 100.61 on Monday and remained elevated at 100.47, marking a 2.9% rise through March.