The Taiwan dollar rose 7.8 cents to an intraday high of NT$31.74 against the US dollar on the 27th, breaking through NT$31.8 as Taiwan stocks advanced, foreign capital entered local assets and major Asian currencies strengthened. The US Dollar Index rose 0.21% to 99.13, its highest level since Aug. 19, after July Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation increased 0.2% month-on-month and 3.7% year-on-year, above economists' estimates of 0.1% and 3.6%, respectively. Core PCE rose 0.2%, matching forecasts. The data kept expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase before year-end alive, while Fed funds futures lifted the implied probability of a September hike to 44% from about 36%. Traders are awaiting Chairman Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech and Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino's comments, with money markets pricing an 87% chance of a BOJ hike next month. The dollar traded at 159.23 yen, while the euro was at $1.1655, the pound at $1.3592 and the Canadian dollar at C$1.388 per dollar. The Australian and New Zealand dollars strengthened, while bitcoin rose 0.55% to $78,874.60 and ether gained 1.07% to $2,498.35. Foreign-exchange bankers said the Taiwan dollar's ability to hold above NT$31.7 depends on foreign-investor flows and Taiwan equities; quarter-end exporter dollar selling could provide further support, while a technical dollar rebound could pressure Asian currencies.