US Dollar Index slowly inching higher, around 95.30

The index recovers some ground lost post-FOMC on Wednesday.
Yields of the US 10-year note remain depressed below 2.68%.
Markets perceive the Fed’s tightening cycle could be over.

Pablo Piovano FXStreet

The greenback is looking to extend the rebound from post-FOMC lows and has now managed to regain the 95.30 zone when tracked by the US Dollar Index (DXY).

US Dollar Index weaker on dovish Fed

The index has once again suffered the ‘Powell Put’ on Wednesday after the FOMC now shifted to a more neutral stance in its tightening cycle, particularly regarding future rate hikes (or cuts?). In fact, and as per the FOMC’s statement, the door is now open for rates to go up or down.

When considering the next steps in determining policies, the Committee will also pay attention to developments overseas, with special interest in the slowdown in China and Europe as well as the uncertain scenario surrounding Brexit and the US-China trade negotiations.

Today’s US calendar appears pretty busy and includes the publication of Challenger Job Cuts, inflation figures gauged by the Core PCE, Initial Claims, the Employment Cost Index in Q4, New Home Sales and Personal Spending/Income.

What to look for around USD

The picture around the greenback has deteriorated further following yesterday’s FOMC meeting. It is thus expected that the index will now remain under extra pressure in the months to come amidst a renewed neutral stance by the Fed, while the Committee did not give any hints on the potential timing for the end of the balance sheet run-off, although it is seen ending sooner than market are forecasting. On another front, headlines from the US-China trade talks ending today could bring in some fresh volatility to the buck’s price action.

US Dollar Index relevant levels

At the moment, the pair is losing 0.10% at 95.31 and a breakdown of 95.16 (low Jan.31) would aim for 95.03 (2019 low Jan.10) and then 94.79 (monthly low Oct.16 2018). On the other hand, immediate resistance emerges at 95.90 (21-day SMA) seconded by 96.13 (100-day SMA) and finally 96.22 (38.2% Fibo of the September-December up move).

Author

Pablo Piovano

FXStreet

Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.

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