US Dollar under pressure, testing 97 handle as political turmoil continues


Following yesterday's technical correction, the US Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six trade-weighted peers, is staying under pressure on Wednesday, testing the 97 handle for the first time since Trump's election victory. As of writing, the index is trading at 98.02, losing 0.77% on the day.

A recent report by the Washington Post claimed that the law enforcement investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia identified a new person of interest, a current White House official, whose identity is not revealed but said to be very close to President Trump. After the report, U.S. Treasury bond yields gave back their daily earning and the equity indexes started to ease from their daily highs, suggesting another wave of risk aversion is impacting the markets.

On the other hand, the demand for the greenback was also damaged by the dovish comments from Fed's Bullard, who suggested that the Fed doesn't need to raise the rates aggressively. Although the odds of a June rate hike rose back above the 70% mark, the investors are hesitant to price the probability of more rate hikes. The CME Group FedWatch Tool shows that the chances of a rate hike in September or November are around 25%.

Technical outlook

The index might struggle to make a clean break below 97 (daily low) as the volume is thinning out towards the end of the week. Below that level, the next targets could be seen at 96.40 (Oct. 7 low) and 96 (psychological level). On the upside, the initial hurdle aligns at 97.75 (daily high) ahead of 98 (May 18 high/psychological level) and 98.75 (May 16 high).

Share: Feed news

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


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD struggles near multi-month low; looks to US CPI for fresh impetus

AUD/USD struggles near multi-month low; looks to US CPI for fresh impetus

AUD/USD languishes near a multi-month low during the Asian session on Wednesday and seems vulnerable amid a bullish USD. Expectations that inflationary import tariffs from US President-elect Donald Trump will push up prices and limit the scope for the Fed to cut rates remain supportive of elevated US bond yields.

AUD/USD News
USD/JPY sits near its highest level since July, close to 155.00 as traders await US CPI

USD/JPY sits near its highest level since July, close to 155.00 as traders await US CPI

USD/JPY stands firm near its highest level since July 30 amid speculations that a fragile minority government in Japan will make it difficult for the BoJ to tighten its monetary policy further. Moreover, fears that US President-elect Donald Trump might again hit Japan with protectionist trade measures continue to undermine the JPY. 

USD/JPY News
Gold price oscillates around $2,600, just above a nearly two-month low ahead of US inflation

Gold price oscillates around $2,600, just above a nearly two-month low ahead of US inflation

Gold price consolidates its recent heavy losses to the lowest level since September 20 as bears opt to pause for a breather ahead of the crucial US CPI report, which will influence Fed rate-cut expectations and provide a fresh impetus. 

Gold News
Ripple could rally 50% following renewed investor interest

Ripple could rally 50% following renewed investor interest

Ripple's XRP rallied nearly 20% on Tuesday, defying the correction seen in Bitcoin and Ethereum as investors seem to be flocking toward the remittance-based token. XRP could rally nearly 50% if it sustains a firm close above the neckline resistance of an inverted head and shoulders pattern.

Read more
Five fundamentals: Fallout from the US election, inflation, and a timely speech from Powell stand out

Five fundamentals: Fallout from the US election, inflation, and a timely speech from Powell stand out Premium

What a week – the US election lived up to their hype, at least when it comes to market volatility. There is no time to rest, with politics, geopolitics, and economic data promising more volatility ahead.

Read more
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

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.

Read More

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures