FX.co ★ Dollar Index Falls Below 98

The dollar index declined to around 97.5 on Monday, marking its lowest point since late July, as traders increasingly anticipate a Federal Reserve rate cut following a lackluster labor market report indicating further economic slowdown. Market participants are now shifting their focus to upcoming inflation data, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) releases expected to offer new insights into price dynamics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' preliminary benchmark revision of employment figures for the 12 months ending in March will also be scrutinized closely. The market has almost fully factored in a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed this month. In contrast, the European Central Bank (ECB) is projected to maintain its current rates at the policy meeting on Thursday, as expectations for additional cuts later this year diminish. The U.S. dollar experienced the sharpest declines against the Swiss franc, the Australian dollar, and the euro.