|

USD: Trade tensions keep US markets on the defensive – Scotiabank

The USD is trading defensively this morning again, while US Treasurys are weaker (and underperforming) and US equity futures are softer. Global stocks are lower after the US government said it would require Nvidia to obtain a license to export one of its chips to China. The US government also launched a probe into the need for tariffs on critical minerals, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.

USD trades softer versus peers as US bonds and stock futures ease

"China responded to calls from the US to start trade talks by saying it is open to discussion if President Trump shows respect. US/Japan trade talks start today and the president will be in attendance. China reported stronger than expected Q1 GDP (5.4% Y/Y) earlier. Industrial production and retail sales figures were also above expectations. The data may reflect a bump in activity ahead of tariffs which will are all but certain to dampen activity significantly in the months ahead. Market sentiment remains fragile amid the barrage of tariff and trade-related news."

"Investors continue to shun the USD—and are cool on USD-denominated assets—while trade tensions persist. The worry persists that the USD will weaken further either as an indirect consequence of trade policy which reduces global imbalances (and reduces demand for US assets as a consequence) or more directly as a result of policy choices. Short-term patterns suggest the DXY may have peaked yesterday around 100.25; broader signals imply the index remains prone to more losses on a sustained push under 99."

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:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.