Scotiabank’s strategist observes the US Dollar fluctuating as risk appetite declines against major currencies.

by VT Markets
/
Feb 25, 2025

The US Dollar (USD) is trading unevenly against major currencies, as risk appetite diminishes. Tariff concerns have led to declines in bond yields, with 10-year US Treasury yields falling by 6 basis points.

Global stock performance remains mixed, with the DXY potentially rising slightly in the short term. Current market conditions resemble those following Trump’s first term election, influencing expectations for the USD.

The USD appears overvalued in relation to existing tariffs, mainly those on China. Upcoming US data releases include housing figures, Consumer Confidence, and the Richmond Fed’s Manufacturing Index.

The greenback’s movements remain erratic, swayed by uncertainty around trade policies. Many traders are watching bond markets, where the yields on 10-year Treasuries have dropped by 6 basis points. A yield decline often signals growing caution, as funds shift towards safer assets. Sentiment in equities is mixed as well, making short-term predictions more challenging.

Although strength in the dollar index (DXY) is possible in the immediate future, conditions are reminiscent of the period following the previous Republican administration’s first election victory. Back then, early optimism gave way to shifts in trade dynamics and monetary expectations, much like what seems to be happening now. If history is any indication, this could mean some temporary resilience in the dollar followed by gradual recalibration.

Right now, the dollar is trading at levels that seem high relative to the existing tariffs, especially those on Chinese goods. This is causing some traders to question whether recent moves in the currency align with underlying trade policies. Adjustments could follow if market participants reassess the broader economic impact.

Several upcoming data releases may drive changes in positioning. Housing figures will give a sense of whether the property sector is holding up under current interest rate conditions. Consumer Confidence numbers will shed light on the public’s economic outlook, which could feed into spending behaviour. Meanwhile, the Richmond Fed’s Manufacturing Index offers a temperature check on regional industrial activity—key for gauging business sentiment and production trends.

If the numbers indicate unexpected weakness, rate expectations could adjust once more, affecting yields and, by extension, the greenback. Those trading derivatives will need to be mindful of how these factors feed into broader market flows. With volatility present, there is potential for sudden shifts, and close monitoring of economic indicators will be required in the weeks ahead.

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