Asian markets drop as traders brace for key US inflation data

A currency trader stands near the screens showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), left, and the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollar and South Korean won at a foreign exchange dealing room in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. Asian shares were mostly lower on Tuesday as losses in technology-related shares weighed on global benchmarks.(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

HONG KONG (AFP): Equities fell in Asia and the dollar maintained its strength Thursday (Oct 13) ahead of the release of crucial US inflation data that could determine the pace of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.

The release of the September report comes a day after minutes from the central bank's latest policy meeting showed officials determined to win their battle against runaway prices by ramping up borrowing costs, though they did note the risk to the economy that posed.