|

US Dollar Index falls below 98.50 as softer inflation data boost odds of Fed rate cuts

  • The US Dollar Index depreciates amid rising odds of the Fed rate cut in September.
  • The US Consumer Price Index climbed 2.4% YoY in May, below the expected 2.5% rise.
  • Trump said that the trade deal with China is finalized, but it remains subject to final approval from both leaders.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, is extending its losses for the second successive day and trading lower at around 98.40 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The Greenback faces challenges as cooler-than-expected US inflation in May has increased the odds of the Fed rate cut in September.

The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% year-over-year in May, slightly above 2.3% prior but below the market expectations of a 2.5% increase. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, climbed 2.8% YoY in May, compared to the consensus of 2.9%.

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday, saying that the trade deal with China is done and added that it is subject to his and Chinese President Xi Jinping's final approval. Trump also said that "We are getting a total of 55% tariffs, China is getting 10%. Relationship is excellent! Thank you for your attention to this matter!" He also stated that he is willing to extend the trade talks deadline, but doesn't think it will be necessary. He further said that he will set unilateral tariff rates within two weeks.

China will grant rare-earth export licenses to US automakers and manufacturers but only for six months to maintain control over critical minerals as leverage in future talks, per the Wall Street Journal (gated).

The US Dollar may gain ground from safe-haven flows amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The United States (US) advised some Americans to leave the region. President Trump said on Wednesday that the US would not permit Iran to have a nuclear weapon, per Reuters. Moreover, CBS News senior White House correspondent Jennifer Jacobs reported that US officials have been told that Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran.

US Dollar PRICE Today

The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the weakest against the Swiss Franc.

USDEURGBPJPYCADAUDNZDCHF
USD-0.24%-0.23%-0.43%-0.01%0.20%0.10%-0.45%
EUR0.24%0.02%-0.22%0.23%0.42%0.35%-0.18%
GBP0.23%-0.02%-0.23%0.21%0.39%0.31%-0.23%
JPY0.43%0.22%0.23%0.43%0.62%0.49%-0.00%
CAD0.00%-0.23%-0.21%-0.43%0.21%0.09%-0.44%
AUD-0.20%-0.42%-0.39%-0.62%-0.21%-0.08%-0.61%
NZD-0.10%-0.35%-0.31%-0.49%-0.09%0.08%-0.54%
CHF0.45%0.18%0.23%0.00%0.44%0.61%0.54%

The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).

Author

Akhtar Faruqui

Akhtar Faruqui is a Forex Analyst based in New Delhi, India. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for dissecting complex financial dynamics, he is dedicated to delivering accurate and insightful Forex news and analysis.

More from Akhtar Faruqui
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD stays defensive near 1.3300 amid pre-Fed market caution

GBP/USD stays defensive near 1.3300 in the European session on Tuesday. The pair struggles as the US Dollar (USD) sits at monthly highs amid market caution ahead of the two-day US Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting, starting later this Tuesday.

EUR/USD hangs close to monthly lows near 1.1350 on USD strength

EUR/USD is consolidating near the monthly trough, trading near mid-1.1300s in the European morning on Tuesday, undermined by persistent US Dollar demand. Traders seem hesitant and await the outcome of a two-day FOMC policy meeting before placing aggressive directional bets.

Gold sticks to intraday losses below $4,050 as focus remains on FOMC meeting

Gold maintains its offered tone through the Asian session on Tuesday and currently trades just below $4,050, down 0.85% for the day. This follows the previous day's failure to find acceptance above the $4,100 mark and suggests that the path of least resistance for the bullion remains to the downside. 

XRP and XLM extend correction as bearish pressure builds

Ripple and Stellar remain under pressure on Tuesday after losing over 4% and over 5%, respectively, the previous day. In addition, weakening momentum indicators and deteriorating derivatives metrics suggest sellers remain in control, raising the risk of further downside for both altcoins. Derivatives data shows a slight bearish tilt.

Asian stocks including KOSPI slide as AI doubts hit chipmakers
Asian stocks fall sharply on Tuesday as mounting skepticism over the massive financial returns on artificial intelligence spending triggered a widespread sell-off across global semiconductor shares. The tech-driven downturn rippled from Wall Street into Asian markets, while investors shifted toward safety, driving bond prices higher and sending oil lower.
US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?
The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.