- The US Dollar Index softens around 100.35 in Wednesday’s early European session.
- The negative outlook of the index prevails below the key 100-day EMA, with the bearish RSI indicator.
- The initial support level emerges at 100.25; the first upside barrier is seen at 101.23.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) remains on the defensive near 100.35 during the early European session on Wednesday. The improved risk appetite following the fresh Chinese stimulus plans and rising bets on a jumbo interest rate reduction from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in November weigh on the DXY. The US New Home Sales data for August will be published later on Wednesday. Traders also await the Fed’s Governor Adriana Kugler speech for fresh impetus.
Technically, the DXY keeps the bearish vibe on the daily chart as the index holds below the key 100-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA). The downward momentum is supported by the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which stands below the midline near 35.65. This suggests that further downside of DXY looks favorable.
A decisive break below the lower limit of the Bollinger Band at 100.25 could expose the 100.00 psychological mark. Extended losses could see a drop to 99.74, the low of July 13, 2023. The additional downside filter to watch is 99.57, the low of July 18, 2023.
On the bright side, the high of September 23 at 101.23 acts as an immediate resistance level for the US Dollar Index. Further north, the next upside barrier is seen at 101.84, the high of September 12. The round level and the upper boundary of Bollinger Band in the 102.00-102.05 zone appear to be a tough nut to crack for DXY bulls. A break above the mentioned level could see a rally to the 100-day EMA at 102.95.
US Dollar Index (DXY) Daily Chart
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 below 1.0400 as mood sours
EUR/USD loses its traction and retreats to the 1.0380 area in the second half of the day on Monday. The negative shift seen in risk mood, as reflected by Wall Street's bearish opening, supports the US Dollar and makes it difficult for the pair to hold its ground.
GBP/USD nears 1.2500 on renewed USD strength
GBP/USD turns south and drops toward 1.2500 after reaching a 10-day-high above 1.2600 earlier in the day. In the absence of high-tier macroeconomic data releases, the US Dollar benefits from the souring risk mood and weighs on the pair.
Gold falls below $2,600 amid mounting risk aversion
Gold fell below the $2,600 level in the American session on Monday, with US Dollar demand backed by the poor performance of global equities and exacerbated by thin trading conditions ahead of New Year's Eve.
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.
Bitcoin misses Santa rally even as on-chain metrics show signs of price recovery
Bitcoin (BTC) price hovers around $97,000 on Friday, erasing most of the gains from earlier this week, as the largest cryptocurrency missed the so-called Santa Claus rally, the increase in prices prior to and immediately following Christmas Day.
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.