Singapore, November 11 (QNA) - The dollar held gains near a two-week high in early Asian trade on Wednesday as a hotter-than-expected inflation report and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials fueled bets the central bank will raise rates next month.

The US dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was steady at 102.22, closing in on its highest level since October 28.

The gauge traded up 0.5% on Tuesday after data showed US consumer prices increased by more than expected in October amid higher costs for food and accommodation.

The dollar held onto its gains against its major peers in early Asian trade. The euro and the British pound were flat at $1.1168 and $1.3345, respectively.

Against the yen, the US dollar was unchanged at 158.715 yen. The Australian dollar was up 0.1% at $0.6870, edging back from a seven-month low, while the New Zealand dollar was flat at $0.5605. (QNA)