The dollar index slipped slightly below 98.8 on Thursday but stayed near the two-month high hit in the previous session, supported by weakness across major currencies. The greenback has climbed more than 3% against the yen this week after conservative candidate Sanae Takaichi’s victory in Japan’s leadership race boosted expectations for higher fiscal spending and continued accommodative monetary settings. The dollar also advanced nearly 1% versus the euro following the unexpected resignation of French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his cabinet, though President Emmanuel Macron is expected to name a replacement soon. Meanwhile, investors assessed the economic fallout from the ongoing US government shutdown, which has driven demand for safe-haven assets. On policy, minutes from the latest FOMC meeting showed mixed views on future rate moves, while markets await comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell later today.