US dollar, Treasuries, and equity futures decline, signaling a tough selling environment

    by VT Markets
    /
    May 21, 2025
    The US Dollar is having a tough trading day, dropping amid a widespread sell-off in the US market. US Treasury yields have risen sharply, with 10-year yields surpassing 4.5%. This increase is due to worries over a stalled tax-cut bill that could hurt US debt and deficits. In Europe, stock performance is weak, and US stock futures are also falling. Increasing yields and geopolitical tensions, especially between Israel and Iran, are dampening investor enthusiasm. Crude oil prices have gone up by 1%, and gold is also gaining value. In the currency market, the Swedish Krona (SEK) and Norwegian Krone (NOK) are doing well against the South African Rand (ZAR) and Mexican Peso (MXN).

    Currency Policies and Discussions

    US and Asian officials are discussing foreign exchange policies, raising concerns about possible adjustments to the USD. As assessments of US trade tariffs continue, a coordinated change to the USD seems unlikely. The market is closely monitoring the DXY index for any potential losses, while the Treasury is conducting a USD16 billion bond auction during this period. The US Dollar is weaker not only against a few currencies but across many pairings, driven by renewed debt concerns and changing investor sentiment. Yields on US 10-year Treasuries have surged beyond 4.5%, due to hesitations about a significant tax-cut proposal. This delay raises concerns over the government’s long-term borrowing capacity. As yields increase, stock markets are weakening on both sides of the Atlantic. Investor sentiment in Europe is down, and US equity futures are also weak before the market opens. There hasn’t been a single event causing this decline, but rising worries about geopolitical issues are impacting risk assessments. Tensions between Israel and Iran are once again influencing assets that are usually considered safe havens. Oil prices are rising due to these developments and current supply factors, while gold is gaining attention as investors seek safer options. In the currency market, Nordic currencies are performing well against higher-risk currencies like the South African rand and Mexican peso. This suggests a broader adjustment in how investors view different currencies, favoring those backed by stable economies and lower volatility.

    Wider Policy Discussions

    A broader discussion on policy is taking place, signifying a slight resurgence in currency diplomacy. US and Asian officials are revisiting conversations about exchange rate alignments. While no concrete agreements have emerged, these talks are closely monitored by dollar speculators. Guidance from officials remains vague, especially regarding current trade tariffs. Though there are no immediate hints of coordinated currency actions, the discussions may influence future trading behavior. The DXY index, which measures dollar strength, is nearing critical support levels. If these levels are broken, technical models may prompt reactions in the market. Momentum traders often respond to such technical breakdowns, and with differing yields across G10 economies, the potential for a sharp drop in the USD should not be ignored. Additionally, Treasury auctions provide insights into market dynamics. A recent USD16 billion auction occurred amid these conflicting signals. Participation ratios and primary dealer engagement provide indirect indicators of foreign demand. If bidding weakens or foreign allocations decrease, this could reinforce rising yields and put further pressure on the Dollar. Investors focused on interest rate-sensitive strategies are adjusting to market volatility, especially given the daily fluctuations in bond markets. For now, short-term sentiment is likely to see more significant swings. The interplay of technical factors, geopolitical events, and potential issues during auctions are more important than ever, suggesting a rethink of current investment positions. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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