Good News for the US Dollar

Good News for the US Dollar

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  • date-icon 17/01/2024

The impact of today's (January 18, 2024) USD news on the forex market Good News for the US Dollar

The impact of today's (January 18, 2024) USD news on the forex market
Good News for the US Dollar


Good Retail Sales Data: US retail sales increased by 1.1% in December, surpassing forecasts and pointing to robust consumer spending. This strengthens the Fed's hawkish posture and raises the possibility of additional interest rate hikes, strengthening the USD.
Growing Treasury Yields: The yield on US Treasury bonds increased across all maturities, hitting 3.8% for the 10-year note. Foreign investors are drawn to US bonds by higher yields, which raises demand for USD.
Bad News for the USD

Mixed Manufacturing Data: A downturn in the industry is suggested by the New York Fed Empire State manufacturing index, which dropped to -5.7 in January. The regional variance was evident, though, as the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index increased to 23.2. This uncertainty could mute gains in USD.

 

Geopolitical Tensions: The recent Iranian ballistic missile strike near the US consulate in Iraq has sparked worries about instability in the region and may reduce risk appetite, which could weaken the USD.
Total Effect:

Right now, the good news about Treasury yields and retail sales offsets the mixed manufacturing statistics and geopolitical worries. The US Dollar Index hit a three-month high above 103.70, and the USD is trading higher against most other currencies.

Particular effects:

EUR/USD: The euro tested support at 1.0750 after plunging to a one-month low. The Fed is hawkish on monetary policy, while the ECB is dovish, which puts pressure on the euro.
USD/JPY: With the USD/JPY ratio surpassing 146.00, the yen lost ground against the USD. Geopolitical tensions caused risk aversion, which helped the safe-haven Japanese yen contain its losses.

 

AUD/USD: Weak Chinese GDP figures and a risk-off mood caused the Australian currency to drop to a six-week low.
Prospects:

In the foreseeable future, the USD is expected to maintain its strength due to encouraging economic data and hawkish forecasts from the Fed. However, there may be considerable volatility due to mixed economic data and geopolitical tensions. For more guidance on the USD, investors will be closely observing upcoming US inflation data and Fed policy comments.