HONG KONG--Disappointing U.S. jobs data on Friday eased the pressure on Asian currencies, which were stronger against the U.S. dollar Monday. The U.S. added 74,000 payrolls in December 2013, the lowest since January 2011 and falling short of the 200,000 expected by economists polled by the Wall Street Journal. The disappointing data sent 10-year U.S. Treasury yields lower to 2.858%, the largest decline in a day since September, retreating from the two-year high on Jan. 2. The Japanese yen touched 103.44 against the dollar Monday, from 104.16 Friday. Year-to-date, the dollar is down 1.08% against the Japanese yen. The Indonesian rupiah led the strengthening of most Asian currencies, hitting its strongest level in a month on Monday, reaching 12,040 from 12,155 Friday, up 0.96%. The currency was buoyed by exceptions to Indonesia's ban on the export of mineral ores that came into effect over the weekend. The Indian rupee strengthened to 61.59 against the dollar, from 61.90 Friday and the Malaysian ringgit was at 3.25 against the dollar, from 3.26. The Thai baht weakened against the dollar at 33.02 on Monday from 32.96 on Friday, as political protests engulfed Bangkok, blocking roads to the main business and commercial areas of the Thai capital.

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