US Dollar remains under pressure NFPs, Trump and Powell comments

NEW YORK (March 7) The US Dollar Index (DXY) extends its brutal slide on Friday, heading for its worst weekly performance in over a year as traders accelerate the selloff ahead of the February employment report. The Greenback is now in freefall, with expectations of multiple Fed rate cuts and growing economic uncertainty driving capital outflows.

Meanwhile, tariff-related volatility continues, with United States (US) President Donald Trump keeping markets on edge by hinting at fresh trade measures against Canada but refusing to commit to a timeline. DXY is now struggling to hold the 104.00 handle, having lost over 3.5% since Monday, marking a historic devaluation.

Daily digest market movers: USD spirals lower amid Fed and tariff risks, February’s NFP reading

• On the data front, US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) for February came in at 151,000, missing the 160,000 forecast but above January’s 125,000 print.
• Average Hourly Earnings growth slowed to 0.3% month-over-month, a drop from January’s 0.4%.
• The US unemployment rate climbed to 4.1%, marking an uptick from the previous 4.0%.
• Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggested the potential for up to three rate cuts this year, reinforcing the market’s dovish expectations.
• Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that ongoing policy uncertainty complicates the central bank’s ability to adjust monetary policy.
• Markets continue digesting shifting Fed policy expectations, with the interest rate differential between the US and other economies narrowing.
• President Trump hinted at fresh tariffs on Canada but refrained from confirming a specific timeline, leaving uncertainty hanging over markets.
• CME FedWatch Tool now shows a rising probability of a June rate cut, as traders further price in easing.
• On the daily chart, the Fed sentiment index fell towards 100, which reflects a slow lean of the Fed towards a more dovish stance.

DXY technical outlook: Bearish pressure dominates

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is entrenched in a deep selloff, having broken below 104.00 and revisiting its lowest levels since November 2024. The 20-day and 100-day Simple Moving Averages (SMA) have now confirmed a bearish crossover, reinforcing negative momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) signals oversold conditions, suggesting a potential short-term rebound, but the MACD remains firmly in bearish territory, pointing to continued downside risk. Should DXY fail to reclaim 104.50, the next key support level lies at 103.50, which could determine whether the selloff extends further.

FXStreet