Asian currencies consolidated against the dollar in early trade as safe-haven demand supported the U.S. currency. CBA senior economist and senior currency strategist Kristina Clifton said higher oil prices and weaker global equities supported the USD, which has traded as a safe haven during the Middle East conflict. She also said rising oil prices increase the risks of higher global inflation and slower global economic growth, creating a headwind for the risk-sensitive AUD/USD exchange rate. The Australian dollar edged 0.1% higher to US$0.7158, while the U.S. dollar rose 0.1% to 154.54 yen, according to LSEG data.