U.S. Dollar Strengthens Ahead of Fed Rate Cut Move

Federal Reserve to cut rates by 25 basis points

The U.S. dollar is strengthening ahead of the Federal Reserve's widely anticipated rate cut next week.¹

The Fed is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points at its meeting next Wednesday, January 25.² This would be the first rate cut since July 2008.³

Dollar Index rises to highest level since April 2022

The dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against a basket of foreign currencies, has risen to its highest level since April 2022.⁴

The dollar's strength is being driven by a number of factors, including:⁵

• Expectations of a rate cut by the Fed
• Safe-haven demand amid global economic uncertainty
• Strong U.S. economic data

The Fed's rate cut is expected to make the dollar less attractive to investors, as they will be able to earn higher returns in other currencies.⁶ However, the dollar's strength is likely to be supported by safe-haven demand and strong U.S. economic data.⁷