The dollar index held steady around 109.2 on Wednesday
The dollar index held steady around 109.2 on Wednesday, lingering near two-year highs as investors awaited the December consumer inflation report, which could influence the future direction of Federal Reserve monetary policy. An upside surprise in inflation could limit the scope for Fed rate cuts this year or potentially prompt the central bank to maintain its current stance for an extended period. Markets are currently anticipating only a single quarter-point rate cut, likely in the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, the dollar experienced a pullback on Tuesday following a weaker-than-expected monthly PPI report, which rose just 0.2% in December, below economists' forecast of 0.4%. The core PPI also remained unchanged, defying expectations of a 0.3% increase. Elsewhere, evolving headlines on Trump’s tariff plans are expected to add further volatility to the dollar as the January 20th inauguration approaches.(cay)
Source: Trading economi