US Dollar steady as Fed decision and the SEP takes the center stage
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Patricio Martín
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18 Mar @ 06:39 (GMT+0)

US Dollar steady as Fed decision and the SEP takes the center stage

  • The US Dollar Index edges higher, recovering from earlier losses.
  • Germany plans to inject 0.5 trillion euros into fiscal spending.
  • Geopolitical uncertainty rises as Trump and Putin hold key discussions.
  • Focus turns towards the Fed's decision on Wednesday and the fresh SEP.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar against a basket of six currencies, is stabilizing after avoiding a fresh five-month low. Traders react to Germany’s significant fiscal expansion while monitoring geopolitical risks linked to ongoing talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The index rebounded from earlier declines as sentiment shifted.

Daily digest market movers: US Dollar steadies amid economic releases

  • Trump and Putin’s high-level talks continue with reports indicating discussions on territorial matters, raising concerns over European security and NATO's response.
  • Germany’s fiscal expansion is driving market sentiment with increased government spending expected to impact European economic stability.
  • On the US data front, Building Permits for February slightly exceeded expectations but declined compared to January’s levels.
  • Housing Starts surged, reflecting ongoing strength in the housing market despite broader economic uncertainties.
  • Export and import prices rose more than anticipated, adding to inflation concerns.
  • Industrial Production expanded at a robust pace, signaling resilience in US manufacturing.
  • European stocks are rallying on optimism surrounding Germany’s spending boost, while US equities are under pressure.
  • The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady on Wednesday with market pricing indicating little change in the central bank’s tone and stance on the upcoming decision.

Technical analysis: US Dollar Index regains footing but remains under key resistance levels

The US Dollar Index is attempting to regain strength, though it remains near multi-month lows. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is exiting oversold territory, suggesting a potential recovery, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram continues to indicate bearish momentum, though the downside pressure is easing.

Resistance is seen at 104.20, followed by 104.80 and 105.20, marking key breakout levels. Support holds at 103.40, with a breach lower exposing 102.90. While short-term momentum is recovering, the index remains below its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages, signaling that a sustained bullish trend is yet to form.

 

Interest rates FAQs

Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.

Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.

Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.

The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.