Dollar Holds Gains as Key Data Eyed

2026-02-17 01:53 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The dollar index traded above 97 on Tuesday, holding gains from the previous session as investors looked ahead to key US economic data this week that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy.

Market attention is focused on the minutes from the Fed’s last meeting, advance GDP data, and the core PCE price index, which is the central bank’s preferred inflation measure.

Last week, the dollar came under pressure after benign US inflation data reinforced expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates later this year.

However, earlier data showed US payrolls rose by the most in more than a year and the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell, signaling a stabilizing labor market.

Markets currently price in a June rate cut, with roughly 62 basis points of total easing expected this year, implying two quarter-point cuts and about a 50% probability of a third.



News Stream
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