Dollar Near Pre-War Levels

2026-04-16 13:10 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

The dollar index edged up above 98 on Thursday but remained near the pre-war lows seen in the previous session, as investors grew increasingly optimistic that the US and Iran could soon reach an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reducing safe-haven demand.

US President Trump said the seven-week conflict was “close to over,” while the White House expressed confidence in a potential deal, noting that additional in-person talks could take place in Pakistan.

However, Iranian officials signaled that significant differences remain, particularly regarding nuclear issues.

Meanwhile, softer crude prices in recent days have helped ease inflation concerns.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold throughout the year, a view reinforced by recent comments from several policymakers, including Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams.



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Dollar Near Pre-War Levels
The dollar index edged up above 98 on Thursday but remained near the pre-war lows seen in the previous session, as investors grew increasingly optimistic that the US and Iran could soon reach an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reducing safe-haven demand. US President Trump said the seven-week conflict was “close to over,” while the White House expressed confidence in a potential deal, noting that additional in-person talks could take place in Pakistan. However, Iranian officials signaled that significant differences remain, particularly regarding nuclear issues. Meanwhile, softer crude prices in recent days have helped ease inflation concerns. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold throughout the year, a view reinforced by recent comments from several policymakers, including Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams.
2026-04-16
Dollar Languishes on Iran Deal Optimism
The dollar index hovered around 98 on Thursday, lingering near six-week lows as rising expectations of a diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran reduced demand for the safe-haven currency. President Donald Trump said the seven-week conflict was “close to over,” while the White House expressed confidence in a potential agreement, noting that additional in-person talks were likely to take place again in Pakistan. Reports also indicated that Tehran may consider allowing vessels to transit freely via the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz if a deal is reached to prevent renewed hostilities. The dollar was further pressured by easing energy prices, which helped calm inflation concerns and reduced expectations of further central bank tightening. The Federal Reserve is broadly expected to keep interest rates unchanged this month and potentially through the remainder of the year.
2026-04-16
DXY Hovers at 6-Week Low
The dollar index hovered near 98 on Wednesday, lingering around six-week lows as investors grew more optimistic about diplomatic progress between the US and Iran, while oil prices remained below recent peaks. Financial markets have largely unwound the risk premium that built up after the conflict began in late February, as both sides move toward a second round of negotiations. President Donald Trump said the war is “very close to over,” adding that Iran appears open to a peace deal, with talks expected to resume shortly. On the monetary policy front, the Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to keep interest rates unchanged this month and likely through the year, while Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned that any rate cuts could be pushed back as far as 2027 if elevated energy prices persist.
2026-04-15