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US Dollar (DXY) Index News: Soaring High on Fed Anticipation

By:
James Hyerczyk
Published: Mar 19, 2024, 15:03 UTC

Key Points:

  • Dollar strengthens as traders anticipate a hawkish Federal Reserve stance.
  • Federal Reserve's impending decision crucial for dollar's trajectory into 2025.
  • Recent U.S. economic data suggests persistent inflation, supporting a strong dollar.
US Dollar Index (DXY)

U.S. Dollar Strengthens Ahead of Fed Decision

The U.S. Dollar is experiencing an upswing, primarily influenced by the anticipation of a hawkish Federal Reserve stance, suggesting higher interest rates for an extended period. The currency has surpassed key indicators, the 50- and 200-day moving averages, hinting at trader confidence in a robust dollar backed by potential policy decisions.

AT 14:00 GMT, the U.S. Dollar Index is trading 103.474, down 0.100 or -0.10%.

Federal Reserve’s Influence

The Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision is a pivotal factor for the dollar’s performance. Although expectations lean towards maintaining the current rate, the longer-term outlook for monetary policy extending into 2025 remains uncertain. The Fed’s policy decisions notably overshadow those of other central banks like the Bank of Japan, particularly in the USD/JPY currency pair.

Dollar Index and Economic Data

The Dollar Index, a measure against six major currencies, is at a two-week high, bolstered by recent U.S. economic data. This data suggests persistent inflation, reducing the likelihood of significant Fed rate cuts. Such an economic environment strengthens the dollar’s position.

Optimism Rises for U.S. Economy’s Steady Growth

Market analysts are growing increasingly optimistic about the U.S. economy’s prospects, foreseeing a scenario that avoids recession and maintains steady growth. This view anticipates less aggressive Fed easing. Current surveys indicate a higher probability of a ‘soft landing’ for the economy, reducing recession chances within the next year.

Short-Term Market Forecast: Bullish on U.S. Dollar

The collective market sentiment and economic indicators point towards a bullish outlook for the U.S. Dollar in the short term. The anticipation of a hawkish Federal Reserve, coupled with resilient economic data, underpins this bullish stance. Although the long-term trajectory remains complex, current trends suggest the U.S. Dollar is set to maintain its strength in the near future, especially considering the subdued likelihood of aggressive rate cuts by the Fed.

Technical Analysis

Daily US Dollar Index (DXY)

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is trading higher on Tuesday after crossing to the strong side of both the 50- and 200-day moving averages. This makes 103.599 and 103.696 support. The next upside target is 104.292.

With both the intermediate and long-term trends up, bullish traders are hoping for the Fed to confirm and extend the move on Wednesday.

About the Author

James is a Florida-based technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader with 35+ years of experience. He is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis as it applies to futures, Forex, and stocks.

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