Scotiabank strategists note that the US dollar weakens as focus shifts to rates and spreads

    by VT Markets
    /
    Aug 13, 2025
    The US Dollar is currently losing value, influenced by a few different factors. A recent report on the US Consumer Price Index showed mixed results, causing the dollar’s value to drop initially. President Trump has criticized Fed Chair Powell and discussed possible lawsuits, further impacting the dollar’s situation. Additionally, Trump’s nominees for key economic positions have commented on inflation and how data is reported.

    Treasury Secretary Comments

    Treasury Secretary Bessent hinted at a possible 50 basis point interest rate cut in September, based on the latest inflation data. This raises questions about the Federal Reserve’s independence and its future rate decisions, especially with inflation still hovering around 3%. The DXY index saw some sell-offs, confirming its resistance levels. If it falls below the support level of 97.70, it could indicate ongoing losses for the USD, leading attention to Fed rate policy and rate differentials. The US Dollar is weakening as discussions about lowering interest rates increase. The latest inflation report reveals that consumer prices are still up 3.1% from a year ago, which puts the Federal Reserve in a tough spot. This situation reminds us of the pressures the Fed faced in 2019 when its rate policies were openly questioned.

    Strategies in the Current Economic Climate

    Given the current environment, we should think about buying put options on dollar-tracking funds, betting on further declines. If the Fed hints at a rate cut during its September meeting, despite inflation staying above their 2% target, the dollar could drop sharply. Historically, periods of high political influence over the Fed have led to significant volatility in the dollar. We are paying close attention to the DXY index, which is now testing the 103.50 support level. A strong drop below this level could indicate that the dollar is entering a new downward trend, shifting focus to the interest rate differences between the US and other central banks. This makes strategies like purchasing call options on the Euro against the Dollar (EUR/USD) particularly appealing in the coming weeks. A weaker dollar and the possibility of lower interest rates also benefit commodities priced in dollars. We can expect assets like gold to perform well in this environment, as they become cheaper for foreign buyers and compete less with yielding investments. After the 2008 financial crisis, a similar mix of policies sparked a multi-year bull run in gold prices. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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