The New Zealand dollar edged higher against most major currencies on Tuesday, as investors focused on the latest updates regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Johns Hopkins University reported the the global Covid-19 death toll rose near 3 million cases.

While the World Health Organization warned about increased Covid-19 infections, and urged most governments to take all the necessary measures to cope with the third wave.

The US Food and Drug Administration called for a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six rare clotting cases were reported after taking the vaccine, which poses a danger to their lives.

Data showed that the New Zealand business confidence index rose to 13 points during March.

As of 15:44 GMT, NZD/USD rose 0.1% to 0.7038, after hitting a high of 0.7044, and a low of 0.7004.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday, after the OPEC monthly report, but today's gains were trimmed ahead of the US inventories data.

OPEC stated that global demand for oil will grow by 6 million barrels per day to 96.5 million bpd during this year, which is higher by about 100K bpd from its previous estimates.

OPEC production increased by 201K barrels per day to 25 million bpd last month.

The dollar index fell against a basket of major currencies 0.2% to 91.9 points as of 16:51 GMT, after hitting a high of 92.3 points and a low of 91.8 points.

The American Petroleum Institute will release its preliminary data on US crude inventories later today, and the Energy Information Administration will release its official report on Wednesday.

As of 16:49 GMT, WTI crude May futures rose 0.5% to $60.03 a barrel, after hitting a high of $60.5 and a low of $59.6.

Brent June futures rose 0.5% to $63.5 a barrel, after hitting a high of $64.1 and a low of $63.14.

The US dollar fell against most of its peers on Tuesday, and deepened its losses after the release of data showing an increase in US inflation.

The US Food and Drug Administration called for a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six rare clotting cases were reported after taking the vaccine, which poses a danger to their lives.

While the World Health Organization warned about increased Covid-19 infections after the global death toll rose near 3 million cases.

Data showed that the US consumer price index rose by 0.6% during the past month, in the largest monthly jump since August 2012, beating forecasts of a 0.5%.

The dollar index fell against a basket of major currencies 0.2% to 91.9 points as of 17:04 GMT, after hitting a high of 92.3 points and a low of 91.8 points.

The main US stock indices saw mixed performance on Tuesday, following the release of economic data and bad news about a Covid-19 vaccine.

The US Food and Drug Administration called for a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six rare clotting cases were reported after taking the vaccine.

Data showed that the US consumer price index rose by 0.6% during the past month, in the largest monthly jump since August 2012, beating forecasts of a 0.5%.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell 0.4% or 125 points to 33,622 as of 14:03 GMT, Nasdaq rose 0.7% or 96 points to 13,947, and S&P 500 rose 0.1% or 6 points to 4,133.