Dollar Heads for Third Weekly Loss

2026-04-17 02:00 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The dollar index stabilized above 98 on Friday but remained on track for a third consecutive weekly decline, as improving prospects for an end to the US-Iran conflict reduced safe-haven demand and eased inflation concerns tied to energy markets.

In the latest developments, President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the war with Iran will end soon, claiming Tehran had agreed to terms including abandoning nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which could support further US-Iran negotiations.

Oil prices have continued to retreat, helping to temper inflation expectations and reducing bets that the Federal Reserve will need to tighten policy.

Fed Bank of New York President John Williams said heightened uncertainty should limit forward guidance on the policy path, although his baseline outlook still includes rate cuts over the longer term.



News Stream
Dollar Heads for Third Weekly Loss
The dollar index stabilized above 98 on Friday but remained on track for a third consecutive weekly decline, as improving prospects for an end to the US-Iran conflict reduced safe-haven demand and eased inflation concerns tied to energy markets. In the latest developments, President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the war with Iran will end soon, claiming Tehran had agreed to terms including abandoning nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which could support further US-Iran negotiations. Oil prices have continued to retreat, helping to temper inflation expectations and reducing bets that the Federal Reserve will need to tighten policy. Fed Bank of New York President John Williams said heightened uncertainty should limit forward guidance on the policy path, although his baseline outlook still includes rate cuts over the longer term.
2026-04-17
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