U.S. Dollar (DXY) bearish?Will dollar continue its bearish momentum or will it reverse?
Technical Summary
DXY remains in a firm bearish trend, having dropped around 11% this year. The setup is formed by a chain of lower highs and lower lows, confirming an unrelenting downtrend.
Support Level: ~97.70
Resistance Zone: 98.55–98.80
Long-Term Outlook: Bearish, unless a clear break and close over the resistance zone on the daily or weekly timeframe.
Technically, the momentum indicators remain weak, and the failure to sustain rallies above the 99.00 level also contributes to downward pressure further. The market is now consolidating within a narrow range after steep selling, which suggests probable continuation if macro catalysts are favourable.
Fundamental and Sentiment Drivers
Several macroeconomic and geopolitical drivers are underpinning the weakening of the U.S. dollar:
Federal Reserve Uncertainty:
Speculation over the ultimate fate of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell under political pressure from the executive branch has severely undermined investor confidence in the central bank’s independence. This has been manifested in increased volatility and bearish pressure on the dollar.
Trade Policy and Tariff Risks:
Ongoing trade tensions, including the possibility of sweeping tariffs (15–20%) on Chinese and European Union goods, have created a risk premium on valuations of the U.S. dollar. Market players still fear retaliation and its effects on trade stability in the world.
Fiscal Position and Credit Ratings:
The US fiscal deficit, which is approaching 7% of GDP, and recent credit rating downgrades to its outlook, have set alarms ringing regarding the structure. These fiscal developments have eroded the popularity of the US dollar as a safe-haven asset, particularly with foreign investors.
Global Monetary Landscape:
With European Central Bank and Bank of Japan maintaining policy guidance tight, and Federal Reserve already indicating that direction for a rate cut in Q4 2025 is being eyed, the falling rate differentials still maintain pressure on the dollar.
Market Outlook: Week of July 21–25, 2025
Major Geopolitical and Economic Events:
DATE : Ongoing
EVENT : U.S.- EU & U.S. — China Trade Negotiations.
MARKET RELEVANCE : High
Resolution or escalation will directly impact USD demand.
DATE : Mid-week
EVENT : Federal Reserve Speeches (including Powell)
MARKET RELEVANCE : High
Monetary policy guidance and institutional stability.
DATE : July 24–25
EVENT : Jobless Claims, Flash PMIs, New Home Sales, Durable Goods Orders
MARKET RELEVANCE : Medium–High
Labour market data, housing data, and production activity have the potential to shift rate expectations and dollar sentiment ahead of the FOMC and PCE releases.
Strategic Implications
Outlook: DXY remains structurally bearish in the short to medium term. Additional weakness below 98.80 and sustained closes below 97.70 would reassert downward momentum, risking a further retracement to the 96.00-95.50 region.
Possible Bullish Reversal Triggers:
A conclusive resolution to U.S. trade negotiations.
Unexpectedly solid economic data (particularly core inflation or employment).
Hawkish Fed commentary supporting policy tightening expectations.
Last thoughts
The U.S. Dollar Index is currently at structurally weak technical and fundamental foundations. Absent a sudden reversal of the monetary policy message or geopolitical resolution, the path of least resistance appears to remain to the lower side. Market participants need to pay special attention to upcoming economic data releases, central bank rhetoric, and trading news because any one of them could be a pivotal driver of near-term dollar behavior.
