The US central bank also said it would buy $45 billion in longer-term Treasuries each month on top of the $40 billion per month in mortgage-backed bonds they started purchasing in September. The Fed's latest monetary stimulus is likely to give a further boost to emerging Asian currencies, said Rob Ryan, strategist for RBS in Singapore.
"We have to assume that it provides another leg down to dollar/Asia," Ryan said. As long as US lawmakers reach a deal to avoid or lessen the impact of looming US fiscal tightening, the dollar is likely to continue to weaken against Asian currencies, he said.
Sharp differences remained on Wednesday between congressional Republicans and the White House in talks to avert the "fiscal cliff" of steep tax hikes and budget cuts due to come into effect early next year. Negotiators warned the showdown could drag on past Christmas. Analysts say riskier assets such as emerging Asian currencies could come under pressure if US lawmakers fail to reach a deal by the end of the year. The peso dipped, pressured by corporate demand for the dollar, said a trader for a European bank.
A near-term focal point for the peso is the Philippine central bank's interest rate decision later on Thursday. The central bank is seen likely to keep interest rates unchanged at a record low 3.5 percent, according to a Reuters survey. Traders will also be watching to see whether the central bank unveils any steps to stem appreciation of the peso, which has risen roughly 6.3 percent against the dollar this year, making it the second-best performing emerging Asian currency after the South Korean won. "People would not want to take a huge position especially a short (dollar) position going into the BSP meeting," said the trader for a European bank.