The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies on Wednesday, with the dollar index down about 0.2% by the close of New York trading, after a U.S. Treasury buyback put downward pressure on long-term yields. The operation, part of the Treasury’s regular debt-management activities, provided a modest bid for bonds and narrowed the yield advantage that had supported the greenback. The euro and Japanese yen were among the main beneficiaries. Traders are now focused on Thursday’s initial jobless claims, retail sales and Philadelphia Fed manufacturing data, which could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s rate path. Reuters-polled economists expect a slight rise in jobless claims, a modest increase in retail sales and a Philadelphia Fed index remaining in positive territory. Strong data could support a higher-for-longer rate outlook and lift the dollar, while weaker figures could revive expectations for rate cuts. The softer currency may support emerging-market assets and dollar-priced commodities, but investors are also monitoring geopolitical developments and policy actions by other major central banks.