|

DXY: Limited haven response to Oil shock – DBS

Philip Wee at DBS Group Research highlights that despite Brent crude trading in a USD 100–120 range in Q1 2026, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has stayed within its established 96–101 band. He attributes the US Dollar's (USD) muted haven response to a less urgent Federal Reserve (Fed), tighter policy relative to inflation, and fading enthusiasm for the so‑called Trump Trade.

Dollar rangebound despite Oil spike

"Stepping back to look at the broader trend since early 2026, the DXY Index was surprisingly muted compared to previous energy shocks."

"Despite Brent crude’s spike into a $100-120 range in Q1, the DXY held the 96-101 range set since mid-2025."

"We noted that the USD’s haven status during this oil shock was significantly lower than in 2022."

"Unlike in 2022, the Fed has no urgency to catch up with rising inflation driven by demand."

"Hence, the DXY is not rushing to extend its rise above 100 today, held back by a Fed with a wait-and-see stance on interest rates."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Editor's Picks

AUD/USD flatlines near 0.6965 as less hawkish RBA counters USD weakness

AUD/USD holds steady above a two-week low, trading near 0.6965 in the Asian session on Wednesday as early midterm election results heighten political uncertainty and weigh heavily on the US Dollar. Moreover, reviving safe-haven demand triggers a fresh leg down in US bond yields, offsetting Fed hike bets and exerting additional pressure on the buck. However, a less hawkish RBA caps the Aussie.

USD/JPY declines below 158.00 as USD weakens on midterm election results

USD/JPY comes under heavy selling pressure on Wednesday, dropping below 158.00 during the Asian session as the US Dollar slumps to a one-month low amid heightened political uncertainty after early US midterm vote counts. Moreover, the prospect of gridlock in Washington drives safe-haven flows, triggering a fresh leg down in US bond yields and further weighing on the buck.

Gold surges past $4,000 as USD falls in reaction to US midterm election results

Gold catches aggressive bids on Wednesday, surging past the $4,000 psychological mark heading into the European session as the US midterm election results heighten political uncertainty and weigh heavily on the US Dollar. Moreover, softer US bond yields counter Fed hike bets and contribute to driving flows to the non-yielding bullion.

Bitcoin tests critical support, Ethereum struggles below resistance, XRP extends losses
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) remain under pressure on Wednesday as bearish momentum continues to weigh on prices. BTC approaches key support around $76,466, and a decisive close below could open the door to deeper losses. Meanwhile, ETH struggles below key resistance while XRP faces rejection at the upper trendline of a falling channel pattern, all hinting at deeper losses.
US Dollar Index dives to late September lows near 101.25 on US election results

The US Dollar Index, which tracks the Greenback against a basket of currencies, comes under intense selling pressure during the Asian session on Wednesday, dropping to its lowest level since late September as early US midterm election results heightened political uncertainty.

The 2% inflation target came from a throwaway remark. It now moves trillions
The Federal Reserve's 2% inflation goal grew out of an off-the-cuff remark by a New Zealand politician in 1988. Bond investors still price long-term US debt as if 2% holds, so a change in how the Fed measures inflation would move markets.