US Dollar Index steady around 97.70 ahead of FOMC


  • DXY navigates the area of Tuesday’s close around 97.70.
  • The Fed is expected to reduce rates by 25 bps.
  • Markets’ focus stays on Powell’s presser and forward guidance.

The Greenback, when gauged by the US Dollar Index (DXY), is trading within a tight range around 97.70 ahead of the key FOMC event later today.

US Dollar Index focused on Powell

The index is looking to stabilize in the lower end of the weekly range after being rejected from the 97.90 area in past sessions, region coincident with a Fibo retracement of the 2017-2018 drop.

The price action around the buck keeps looking to developments from the Brexit front, which have a direct impact on the sentiment surrounding the risk-associated complex.

In addition, some fresh concerns have re-emerged on the US-China trade context after news cited the recently clinched ‘Phase One’ deal could not be ready to sign next month in Chile.

Moving forward, market participants largely anticipate another 25 bps ‘insurance’ cut at today’s FOMC event, although the focus of attention will likely stay on the Fed’s forward guidance for the next months and the press conference by Chief Powell.

What to look for around USD

The upside momentum in DXY is struggling to advance further in the area just below the 98.00 mark so far this week, always amidst alternating headlines from the US-China trade front and the Brexit process. In the meantime, cautiousness is expected to remain in place today ahead of the FOMC meeting, where the Fed is seen reducing the FFTR once again in response to persistent signs that the US economy is running out of steam somewhat. On the broader view, the constructive outlook in DXY looks a bit damaged but it still is in play amidst a divided FOMC vs. a broad-based dovish stance from the rest of the G-10 central banks, the Dollar’s safe haven appeal and the status of ‘global reserve currency’.

US Dollar Index relevant levels

At the moment, the pair is gaining 0.01% at 97.69 and a breakout of 97.93 (high Oct.29) would open the door to 98.34 (55-day SMA) and finally 99.25 (high Oct.9). On the flip side, the next support lines up at 97.14 (monthly low Oct.18) seconded by 97.03 (monthly low Aug.9) and then 96.67 (low Jul.18).

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

EUR/USD turns negative near 1.0760

EUR/USD turns negative near 1.0760

The sudden bout of strength in the Greenback sponsored the resurgence of the selling pressure in the risk complex, dragging EUR/USD to the area of daily lows near 1.0760.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD comes under pressure and challenges 1.2500

GBP/USD comes under pressure and challenges 1.2500

GBP/USD now rapidly loses momentum and gives away initial gains, returning to the 1.2500 region on the back of the strong comeback of the US Dollar.

GBP/USD News

Gold retreats from highs on stronger Dollar, yields

Gold retreats from highs on stronger Dollar, yields

XAU/USD trims part of its initial advance in response to the jump in the Dollar's buying interest and the re-emergence of the upside pressure in US yields.

Gold News

XRP tests support at $0.50 as Ripple joins alliance to work on blockchain recovery

XRP tests support at $0.50 as Ripple joins alliance to work on blockchain recovery

XRP trades around $0.5174 early on Friday, wiping out gains from earlier in the week, as Ripple announced it has joined an alliance to support digital asset recovery alongside Hedera and the Algorand Foundation. 

Read more

Week ahead – US inflation numbers to shake Fed rate cut bets

Week ahead – US inflation numbers to shake Fed rate cut bets

Fed rate-cut speculators rest hopes on US inflation data. After dovish BoE, pound traders turn to UK job numbers. Will a strong labor market convince the RBA to hike? More Chinese data on tap amid signs of slow Q2 start.

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures