US Dollar Index struggles near 98.40, focus on FOMC, Jackson Hole


  • DXY remains firm but faces resistance near 98.40.
  • US 2y-10y yield curve steepened. Yields of the 10-year note around 1.6%.
  • Focus of attention on FOMC minutes and Jackson Hole.

The Greenback seems to have met a tough barrier around 98.40 when tracked by the US Dollar Index (DXY) so far this week.

US Dollar Index focused on risk trends, yields

The upside momentum around the index is losing some traction after six consecutive sessions with gains, showing some indecision in the 98.40 region, or three-week highs.

The better tone in the risk-appetite trends fuelled the selling bias in the safe havens and sustained the rebound in yields, pushing the index higher at the same time amidst rising expectations ahead of the publication of the FOMC minutes and the Jackson Hole Symposium.

Further out, the US 2y-10y yield curve steepened nearly 10 bps since Friday, collaborating with the upbeat mood among investors and sustaining further the improvement in sentiment.

What to look for around USD

The main focus this week will be on the Jackson Hole Symposium as well as on any hint on the Fed’s plan for the next months. In the meantime, trade concerns, while still unabated and in combination with the inversion of the yield curve, carry the potential to spark further ‘insurance cuts’ by the Federal Reserve and thus undermine the constructive prospects of the buck in the next months. Opposed to this view emerges the Greenback’s safe have appeal, the status of ‘global reserve currency’, so far solid US fundamentals vs. overseas economies and the less dovish stance from the Federal Reserve (as per the latest FOMC event).

US Dollar Index relevant levels

At the moment, the pair is losing 0.04% at 98.32 and a break below 97.89 (21-day SMA) would aim for 97.21 (low Aug.6) and then 96.97 (200-day SMA). On the flip side, the next hurdle emerges at 98.39 (high Aug.19) followed by 98.93 (2019 high Aug.1) and the 99.89 (monthly high May 2017).

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 hovers around 1.0700 after German IFO data

EUR/USD hovers around 1.0700 after German IFO data

EUR/USD stays in a consolidation phase at around 1.0700 in the European session on Wednesday. Upbeat IFO sentiment data from Germany helps the Euro hold its ground as market focus shifts to US Durable Goods Orders data.

EUR/USD News

USD/JPY refreshes 34-year high, attacks 155.00 as intervention risks loom

USD/JPY refreshes 34-year high, attacks 155.00 as intervention risks loom

USD/JPY is renewing a multi-decade high, closing in on 155.00. Traders turn cautious on heightened risks of Japan's FX intervention. Broad US Dollar rebound aids the upside in the major. US Durable Goods data are next on tap. 

USD/JPY News

Gold price flat lines above $2,300 mark, looks to US macro data for fresh impetus

Gold price flat lines above $2,300 mark, looks to US macro data for fresh impetus

Gold price (XAU/USD) struggles to capitalize on the previous day's bounce from over a two-week low – levels just below the $2,300 mark – and oscillates in a narrow range heading into the European session on Wednesday. 

Gold News

Worldcoin looks set for comeback despite Nvidia’s 22% crash Premium

Worldcoin looks set for comeback despite Nvidia’s 22% crash

Worldcoin (WLD) price is in a better position than last week's and shows signs of a potential comeback. This development occurs amid the sharp decline in the valuation of the popular GPU manufacturer Nvidia.

Read more

Three fundamentals for the week: US GDP, BoJ and the Fed's favorite inflation gauge stand out Premium

Three fundamentals for the week: US GDP, BoJ and the Fed's favorite inflation gauge stand out

While it is hard to predict when geopolitical news erupts, the level of tension is lower – allowing for key data to have its say. This week's US figures are set to shape the Federal Reserve's decision next week – and the Bank of Japan may struggle to halt the Yen's deterioration. 

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures