Dollar Set for Weekly Fall
2026-07-17 01:21
By
Jam Kaimo Samonte
1 min. read
The dollar index steadied around 100.7 on Friday but remained on track for a weekly decline, as softer-than-expected US inflation prompted traders to scale back expectations of near-term Federal Reserve rate hikes, although the escalating conflict between the US and Iran continued to fuel inflation concerns.
The US launched multiple strikes against Iran this week, while Tehran retaliated by targeting US bases in neighboring countries.
Economic data released earlier this week showed US consumer inflation increased less than expected in June, while producer prices unexpectedly fell.
Retail sales also rose in line with forecasts, as lower gasoline prices weighed on receipts at fuel stations, while spending at motor vehicle dealers and online retailers remained strong.
Meanwhile, initial jobless claims dropped to a two-month low of 208K.
Markets have now largely ruled out a Fed rate hike this month, though expectations remain split over the possibility of a move in September.