- US Dollar Index remains neutral on Tuesday near the key 103.00 level.
- Fed officials remain cautious about easing policy too much, too soon.
- CPI figures on Thursday will be key for DXY movement.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the USD against a basket of six currencies, remains flat on Tuesday. Despite the initial surge, the DXY has settled around 102.50 and is awaiting further direction.
Economic indicators suggest mixed signals for the US economy. While some data points to a slowdown, other metrics indicate ongoing resilience. The Federal Reserve (Fed) has emphasized that its approach to monetary policy easing will be guided by incoming economic data, suggesting a cautious stance that will depend on the evolving economic landscape.
Daily digest market movers: US Dollar flat as Fed bets adjust, CPI looms
- Fed officials remain cautious, emphasizing the risks of premature easing and indicating further gradual rate cuts may be appropriate.
- The probability of a 50 bps cut in November or December is now zero, and a 25 bps cut next month is only 90% priced in.
- Despite strong economic data, the market still anticipates 125 bps of total easing in the next 12 months.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on Thursday might shake the USD dynamics and the next bets on the Fed.
DXY technical outlook: DXY paused in upward momentum, resistance caps upside
Technical analysis of the DXY index indicates a temporary pause in upward momentum after a recent winning streak. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicators remain firmly in positive territory, suggesting potential for further gains. While the short-term outlook has improved, the overall bias remains bearish for the USD.
Key support levels rest at 102.30, 102.00 and 101.80, while resistance levels stand at 103.00, 103.50 and 104.00.
Inflation FAQs
Inflation measures the rise in the price of a representative basket of goods and services. Headline inflation is usually expressed as a percentage change on a month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) basis. Core inflation excludes more volatile elements such as food and fuel which can fluctuate because of geopolitical and seasonal factors. Core inflation is the figure economists focus on and is the level targeted by central banks, which are mandated to keep inflation at a manageable level, usually around 2%.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices of a basket of goods and services over a period of time. It is usually expressed as a percentage change on a month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) basis. Core CPI is the figure targeted by central banks as it excludes volatile food and fuel inputs. When Core CPI rises above 2% it usually results in higher interest rates and vice versa when it falls below 2%. Since higher interest rates are positive for a currency, higher inflation usually results in a stronger currency. The opposite is true when inflation falls.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, high inflation in a country pushes up the value of its currency and vice versa for lower inflation. This is because the central bank will normally raise interest rates to combat the higher inflation, which attract more global capital inflows from investors looking for a lucrative place to park their money.
Formerly, Gold was the asset investors turned to in times of high inflation because it preserved its value, and whilst investors will often still buy Gold for its safe-haven properties in times of extreme market turmoil, this is not the case most of the time. This is because when inflation is high, central banks will put up interest rates to combat it. Higher interest rates are negative for Gold because they increase the opportunity-cost of holding Gold vis-a-vis an interest-bearing asset or placing the money in a cash deposit account. On the flipside, lower inflation tends to be positive for Gold as it brings interest rates down, making the bright metal a more viable investment alternative.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD faces the next support at 0.6700
AUD/USD retreated further and approached the key 0.6700 contention zone, where some initial support seems to have turned up, always against the backdrop of a persistent risk-off mood in the global markets.
EUR/USD struggled to surpass 1.1000
EUR/USD remained on the defensive, receding to the 1.0970 zone after failing to extend an early bull run to the psychological 1.1000 barrier amidst rising prudence ahead of the release of the FOMC Minutes on Wednesday.
Gold drops to three-week lows and challenges $2,600
Gold prices now accelerates its decline and revisit levels last seen in late September around the $2,600 mark per ounce troy on the back of further repricing of a smaller rate cut by the Fed in November and rising caution prior to the release of the FOMC Minutes on Wednesday.
Bitcoin on track for $90,000 by 2024, as Global M2 money supply surge
Bitcoin (BTC) hovers slightly above $62,000 on Tuesday after a minor decline on Monday, buoyed by positive signs such as over $233 million in inflows into US Spot BTC Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
RBA widely expected to keep key interest rate unchanged amid persisting price pressures
The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to continue bucking the trend adopted by major central banks of the dovish policy pivot, opting to maintain the policy for the seventh consecutive meeting on Tuesday.
Five best Forex brokers in 2024
VERIFIED Choosing the best Forex broker in 2024 requires careful consideration of certain essential factors. With the wide array of options available, it is crucial to find a broker that aligns with your trading style, experience level, and financial goals.