|

USD: Downward pressure persists – MUFG Bank

MUFG Bank Senior Currency Analyst Lloyd Chan, highlights the current downward pressure on the US Dollar Index (DXY), which has fallen below the 98.00 level. The report notes that the recent decline is largely influenced by the weakening USDJPY and the Bank of Japan's upgraded growth and inflation outlook. The analysis suggests that further deterioration in the DXY could lead to extended USD softness.

US Dollar faces pivotal challenges

"The broad US dollar index (DXY) remains under downward pressure, having slipped below the 98.00 handle. The index now sits at a technically pivotal zone - any further deterioration risks opening the door to an extended phase of USD softness."

"The latest leg lower in DXY has been driven largely by the sharp decline in USDJPY. Although the Bank of Japan kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.75% last Friday, it upgraded both its growth and inflation outlook for FY2026."

"Overall, the balance of risks may point toward USD vulnerability and heightened two way volatility in USDJPY as markets navigate intervention uncertainty and evolving policy expectations around BOJ policy stance and Japan Prime Minister Takaichi’s fiscal policy."

(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 bounces off lows, back above 1.3200

After bottoming out near 1.3160, GBP/USD manages to regain a bit of shine and reclaim the 1.3200 mark and beyond at the end of the week. Stronger-than-expected UK Retail Sales data seem to be helping the British Pound limit its losses, while the chaotic UK political environment keeps the bulls at bay for now.

EUR/USD looks consolidative around 1.1460

EUR/USD stages a modest rebound after slipping to a three-month low below 1.1420 at the end of the week. That said, the pair now looks to consolidate humble gains just above 1.1460 despite growing uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations, which keeps the US Dollar’s downside contained.

Gold slips back to six-day lows, targets $4,100

Gold retreats for the third consecutive day on Friday, eroding gains seen in the first half of the week and approaching the key $4,100 mark per troy ounce. Indeed, the precious metal continues to face headwinds from the Fed's hawkish stance and renewed uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations.

Breaking: Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire deal violation
Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the United States (US) and Israel of violating the ceasefire. According to Iran, the decision came over the continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy issued a warning to all vessels: "Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardized."
The Iran war didn't break the US economy, but what happens next?

Nearly four months after the start of the Iran war, the US economy remains remarkably resilient. While the conflict initially triggered a severe disruption to global energy markets and a sharp rise in Oil prices, recent diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran has eased concerns about a prolonged supply shock.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.