Dollar extends losses, sinks to 10-month lows
Investing.com - The U.S. dollar sank to 10-month lows against a basket of the other major currencies on Tuesday, after an attempt to pass healthcare reform collapsed and investors remained doubtful over the Federal Reserve’s rate hike plans.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was down 0.33% to 94.61 by 03.44 a.m. ET (07.44 a.m. GMT).
The index touched an overnight low of 94.50, the lowest trough since September 9, 2016.
The dollar came under renewed selling pressure after a second attempt by Republicans to replace Obamacare collapsed late Monday, delivering a major policy blow to the Trump administration.
Around half of the cuts in health-care spending were earmarked to finance proposed tax cuts. The failure to deliver healthcare reform added to disappointment over the progress of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.
The dollar was already on the defensive after Friday’s weak U.S. inflation and retail sales data added to doubts that the Fed will be able to raise interest rates again this year.
The dollar was weaker against the yen, with USD/JPY down 0.3% at 112.27 after falling as low as 111.99 overnight.
The euro rose to fresh 14-month highs against the dollar, with EUR/USD touching overnight highs of 1.1538. It was last at 1.1516.
Sterling was near 10-month highs, with GBP/USD rising 0.34% to 1.3100.
The Australian dollar jumped to two-year highs, with AUD/USD adding 1.47% to trade at 0.7917 after the minutes from the central bank's last policy meeting showed it turning more upbeat on the economic outlook.
The New Zealand dollar was higher, with NZD/USD rising 0.44% to 0.7349. The kiwi initially turned lower overnight before regaining ground after weak inflation data indicated that the country’s central bank will keep interest rates on hold for longer.
The Canadian dollar was near Monday’s 14-month highs, with USD/CAD last at 1.2660.
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