The dollar strengthened above 99.4, its highest level in about seven weeks, as new data reinforced the view that the US economy remains resilient, reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates quickly. Weekly jobless claims came in well below expectations, confirming that layoffs remain limited and that the labor market is holding up despite an extended period of high borrowing costs. This eased concerns that the Fed needs to accelerate rate cuts to support employment, weakening the case made by more dovish policymakers. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he has no plans to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell despite threats of an indictment from the Department of Justice. The central bank is widely expected to hold rates steady later this month, with markets pricing in two cuts starting in June. Elsewhere, Trump signaled he may delay action in Iran while signing trade measures on critical minerals and AI chips.