FX.co ★ Dollar Steadies Ahead of PPI Data

The dollar index hovered around 97.8 on Friday, moving largely sideways over the week as investors awaited key inflation data that could influence expectations for Federal Reserve policy. January’s PPI report is projected to show wholesale inflation easing to 0.3% month-on-month from 0.5% in December. Data released on Thursday showed both initial and continuing jobless claims coming in below forecasts, signaling a resilient US labor market and continued employer retention. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at least until June, as policymakers balance still-elevated inflation against potential risks to employment. Markets also tracked lingering uncertainty over US trade policy after indications from the Trump administration that tariffs on some countries could rise from 10% to 15%, while the US and Iran agreed to resume nuclear talks next week. The dollar is on track to finish the month higher, poised to break a three-month losing streak.