|

US Dollar: Structural headwinds seen after recent strength – Nordea

Nordea’s Kristian Nummelin notes that strong US data and higher energy prices have recently supported the Dollar, as payrolls, ISM indices and JOLTS all point to a resilient US economy. However, Nordea expects the US Dollar (USD) to weaken in coming months due to structural factors, even as the Federal Reserve (Fed) is forecast to stay on hold with only a low probability of a summer rate hike.

Resilient data but weaker outlook

"Overall, the US economy continues to show resilience despite higher energy prices, which will push household expenses higher."

"Strong US data have offered some support to the dollar, but we expect the dollar to weaken in the coming months due to structural factors."

"We forecast the Fed to remain on hold, but if the data continue to be strong, we do not rule out a rate hike."

"That said, the probability of a hike during the summer remains low."

"While the Fed is well positioned to stay on hold in the coming meetings, the ECB faces greater urgency."

(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

GBP/USD clings to small gains near 1.3450 after UK jobs data

GBP/USD trades in positive territory at around 1.3450 in the European session on Tuesday. The UK ILO Unemployment Rate remained at 4.9% in the three months to May, compared with expectations of 5%, but failed to provide any impetus to the British Pound's renewed uptick. Traders stay cautious amid US-Iran uncertainty and the UK political transition.

EUR/USD holds above 1.1400 as USD recovery loses steam

EUR/USD moves sideways in a narrow range above 1.1400 as the US Dollar (USD) retreats following Monday's rebound. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict limits the pair's upside. Later in the week, the European Central Bank's policy announcements could drive the Euro's valuation.

Gold extends recovery toward $4,100

Gold gains traction following Monday's choppy action and advances toward $4,100 on Tuesday. However, the uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East and growing expectations for a hawkish Federal Reserve policy outlook could make it difficult for the precious metal to gather bullish momentum in the near term.

Shiba Inu price extends gains as on-chain and derivatives metrics confirm bullish bias

Shiba Inu extends gains, trading above $0.0000042 after breaking above the descending trendline the previous day. Strengthening on-chain data and improving derivatives metrics support further gains for the meme coin. CryptoQuant’s exchange netflow chart below shows five consecutive days of net outflows since July 17.

Brent nears a critical crossroads as the global economy faces one too
Markets spent last Friday digesting a Reuters report that Iran has told the Houthis to stand ready to close Bab el-Mandeb if the US strikes Iranian power infrastructure — missiles and drones are reportedly already positioned near the strait, awaiting the order from IRGC officers in Yemen.
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.