- The US Dollar Index (DXY) loses ground near 104.95
- Fed rate cut bets continue to undermine the DXY.
- The cautious mood and safe-haven flows might cap the USD Index’s downside.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) trades in negative territory for the second consecutive day around 104.95 during the Asian session on Thursday. The DXY edges lower despite the cautious stance of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell. Investors will watch the US June Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data for fresh impetus, along with the weekly Initial Jobless Claims and speeches by the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Raphael Bostic.
Fed’s Powell said on Wednesday before the US House Financial Services Committee that the US central bank will make interest rate decisions based on the data, the incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks, and not in consideration of political factors. Powell added that it would not be appropriate to cut the policy rate until they gain greater confidence in inflation heading sustainably towards the Fed’s 2% target.
Meanwhile, Fed Governor Lisa Cook said on Thursday that US inflation should continue to fall without a significant further rise in the Unemployment Rate. The Fed’s cautious stance failed to boost the Greenback as traders await the US key inflation report, which is due on Thursday. The US CPI is expected to show an increase of 3.1% YoY in June, while core inflation is forecast to remain steady at 3.4% YoY.
In case the report shows softer-than-expected inflation readings, this could further weigh on the DXY. The markets have priced in less than 10% odds of a Fed July rate cut, while the expectation for a September cut stood at 73%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
On the other hand, the risk-off mood ahead of the key economic data, along with the political uncertainties in Europe and geopolitical risks in the Middle East might provide some support to the safe-haven US Dollar.
US Dollar FAQs
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States of America, and the ‘de facto’ currency of a significant number of other countries where it is found in circulation alongside local notes. It is the most heavily traded currency in the world, accounting for over 88% of all global foreign exchange turnover, or an average of $6.6 trillion in transactions per day, according to data from 2022. Following the second world war, the USD took over from the British Pound as the world’s reserve currency. For most of its history, the US Dollar was backed by Gold, until the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971 when the Gold Standard went away.
The most important single factor impacting on the value of the US Dollar is monetary policy, which is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability (control inflation) and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these two goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed will raise rates, which helps the USD value. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates, which weighs on the Greenback.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve can also print more Dollars and enact quantitative easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used when credit has dried up because banks will not lend to each other (out of the fear of counterparty default). It is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the necessary result. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice to combat the credit crunch that occurred during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy US government bonds predominantly from financial institutions. QE usually leads to a weaker US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing in new purchases. It is usually positive for the US Dollar.
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
EUR/USD extends slide below 1.0300, touches new two-year low
EUR/USD stays under bearish pressure and trades at its lowest level since November 2022, below 1.0300 on Thursday. The US Dollar benefits from the risk-averse market atmosphere and the upbeat Jobless Claims data, causing the pair to stretch lower.
GBP/USD slumps to multi-month lows below 1.2400 on broad USD strength
Following an earlier recovery attempt, GBP/USD reversed its direction and declined to its weakest level in nearly eight months below 1.2400. The renewed US Dollar (USD) strength on worsening risk mood weighs on the pair as trading conditions normalize after the New Year break.
Gold benefits from risk aversion, climbs above $2,650
Gold gathers recovery momentum and trades at a two-week-high above $2,650 in the American session on Thursday. The precious metal benefits from the sour market mood and the pullback seen in the US Treasury bond yields.
These 5 altcoins are rallying ahead of $16 billion FTX creditor payout
FTX begins creditor payouts on January 3, in agreement with BitGo and Kraken, per an official announcement. Bonk, Fantom, Jupiter, Raydium and Solana are rallying on Thursday, before FTX repayment begins.
Three Fundamentals: Year-end flows, Jobless Claims and ISM Manufacturing PMI stand out Premium
Money managers may adjust their portfolios ahead of the year-end. Weekly US Jobless Claims serve as the first meaningful release in 2025. The ISM Manufacturing PMI provides an initial indication ahead of Nonfarm Payrolls.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.