The dollar index rose more than 0.4% to above 101 on Wednesday, reaching an eight-week high after data showed US business activity expanding at its fastest pace in more than five years. The S&P Global flash US Composite PMI (purchasing managers’ activity gauge) climbed to 58.4 in September, its strongest reading since July 2021, signaling a sharp acceleration in economic activity. Brent crude also rose above $100 a barrel, ending a five-session losing streak. The energy-price increase renewed concerns about inflation and its potential implications for Federal Reserve interest-rate policy. Markets were also tracking efforts to end the war with Iran, with investors focused on progress in US-Iran talks that could improve risk sentiment and support broader market gains. The discussions represented the first direct engagement between the two countries since around mid-June.