Dollar strengthens against dong on black market

Unofficial exchange points sold the greenback 0.18% higher at VND27,850.

Vietcombank kept its rate unchanged at VND26,347.

The State Bank of Vietnam’s reference rate was steady at VND25,093.

Globally the Japanese yen was heading for a monthly loss against the U.S. dollar on Friday after the Bank of Japan disappointed traders hoping for a more hawkish stance on future rate hikes, while the Federal Reserve dampened expectations for a December rate cut, Reuters reported.

The yen was last flat on the day and heading for its worst month since July, with the dollar up 4.2% against the currency this month.

The dollar index rose 0.35% to 99.82 and is on track for a 2% monthly gain, its best since July.

The greenback has been boosted by optimism over the economic outlook even as the labor market weakens, while Fed policymakers remain concerned about inflation.