US Dollar Faces Key Test at 2-Month Lows: What's Next for the Greenback?

 | Nov 20, 2023 23:47

  • The US dollar has continued its decline, reaching a two-month low at 103.6, driven by expectations of a Fed pause in rate hikes and potential future cuts.
  • DXY faces technical challenges as it approaches the 102.5 - 103 support zone, with short-term moving averages signaling a likely continuation of the decline.
  • Meanwhile, the euro has strengthened against the dollar on expectations of earlier Fed rate cuts, reaching a critical resistance point.
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  • After experiencing its sharpest weekly decline since July last week, the US dollar kicked off the new week by sustaining its downward trajectory.

    Today, DXY dropped to its lowest level in the last 2 months, reaching as low as 103.6, while concurrently generating bearish signals based on recent economic developments.

    Following lower-than-expected inflation data last week, investor sentiment has solidified around the belief that the Fed is done raising rates.

    Consequently, the market has shifted its attention to when the Fed might start interest rate cuts.

    Despite recent dovish remarks from Fed officials supporting a softer dollar, market pricing does not fully incorporate officials' statements indicating a potential reactivation of tightening policies when necessary.

    As the perspective that the Fed will transition to a pivot interest rate phase gains traction, there are still some suggestions that the Fed might start cutting rates sooner, impacting risk appetite.

    Simultaneously, tomorrow's release of the minutes from the Fed's last meeting, where interest rates remained unchanged for the second time, is anticipated.

    Given the trends from last week, the impact of the meeting minutes on the US dollar is expected to be limited.

    DXY, which demonstrated stability in October despite escalating geopolitical issues, has now entered a downward trend due to the increase in risk appetite as regional tensions expand and news flow decelerates.