empty
22.04.2025 11:12 AM
Why the U.S. Dollar Keeps Falling

The U.S. dollar fell to its lowest level since January 2024 after President Donald Trump's criticism of the Federal Reserve sparked concerns over the central bank's independence.

The dollar weakened against all major currencies after National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that Trump is considering the dismissal of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. These comments prompted a wave of dollar selling on Monday. Gold, which typically moves inversely to the U.S. currency, surged to a record high.

This image is no longer relevant

It's clear that Trump, frustrated by the Fed's reluctance to cut interest rates, stated last week that Powell's dismissal could happen rather quickly. Criticism of the Fed not only undermines the principle of central bank independence but also risks politicizing U.S. monetary policy in ways that markets could find deeply unsettling. However, similar tensions occurred during Trump's first term, and at the time, things ended relatively peacefully.

Firing Powell would be a major shock to the markets and the U.S. economy, so Trump's words are unlikely to be taken literally. Still, if the Fed's credibility is seriously called into question, it could significantly undermine trust in the dollar. Markets could begin to demand a premium for political risk on dollar-denominated assets—especially if this story gains traction in the coming days and weeks.

The decline in U.S. assets suggests that the once-popular "America First" trading strategy is gradually fading. That strategy was based on buying assets that benefit when the U.S. faces challenges, expecting a strong stimulus response from the Fed. But the landscape has changed: after Trump raised global tariffs, spooking the Treasury market and erasing trillions from global equity valuations, the dollar itself came under pressure. Among currencies, the euro and Swiss franc have led the gains—the euro, in particular, has climbed to a three-year high.

The dollar's decline isn't only about the Fed; it's also about diversification in the face of an escalating trade war. Asian countries hold many dollar-denominated deposits due to favorable interest rates, and capital inflows into those markets could increase further.

Yesterday, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned against efforts to undermine the central bank's independence. "There is near-universal consensus among economists that monetary independence from political interference is necessary—for the Fed or any central bank to do its job," Goolsbee said. French Finance Minister Eric Lombard also warned that Trump would risk damaging trust in the dollar and destabilizing the U.S. economy if he removed Powell.

Technical Outlook

EUR/USD: Buyers now need to push through the 1.1570 level. Only a breakout above this area will allow for a test of 1.1625. From there, the pair may target 1.1675, although reaching this without the support of major institutional players could be difficult. The furthest target remains the high of 1.1699. In the event of a decline, significant buying interest is expected only near 1.1485. If support is lacking there, it would be advisable to wait for a retest of 1.1410 or consider long entries from around 1.1340.

GBP/USD: Pound buyers need to break the nearest resistance at 1.3420. Only then can they aim for 1.3465, which is expected to be a tough level to breach. The furthest upward target is 1.3510. If the pair drops, bears will try to take control at 1.3365. A breakout below this support would deal a serious blow to the bulls and push GBP/USD toward the 1.3305 low, with a potential drop to 1.3245.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record High in March

The euro responded with an increase following the news that the U.S. trade deficit rose to a record level in March this year, as companies rushed to import goods, including

Jakub Novak 10:48 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Markets Will Not Be Dictated To

The market's eyes have finally opened. Donald Trump is not the kind of president who would lower tariffs in response to reciprocal reductions from other countries. The occupant

Marek Petkovich 09:56 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Is It Worth Hoping for a Strong Market Rally? (There is a high probability of continued growth in #SPX and #NDX)

Equity markets have improved, demand for cryptocurrencies has risen, yet gold prices dropped sharply after a local rally. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar has remained almost unchanged against major currencies

Pati Gani 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

USD/JPY: Is Further Decline Inevitable?

The Bank of Japan left its monetary policy unchanged during the monetary policy meeting on May 1. In the "Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices" report, the Bank lowered

Kuvat Raharjo 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Gold Returns to Growth

Gold has resumed its upward movement as investors analyzed trade-related comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent while awaiting the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Bessent recently stated that

Jakub Novak 09:14 2025-05-07 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 7? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Wednesday, and in any case, they are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on either of the currency pairs. The euro remains

Paolo Greco 06:55 2025-05-07 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 7: Trump Didn't Get a Call from China, Had to Back Down

On Tuesday, while the euro remained stuck in a flat trend, the GBP/USD currency pair began a new upward move. The rally started on Monday, but during the U.S. session

Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 7: The Fed Meeting Becomes the Dollar's New "Headache"

The EUR/USD currency pair continued to trade strictly sideways on Tuesday. The broader flat market has now lasted for nearly a month, and in addition to that, the market seems

Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Trade War as Part of Global Confrontation

Many may believe that the trade war initiated by Donald Trump is simply a tool to reduce the budget deficit and national debt. However, it becomes clear upon closer examination

Chin Zhao 01:06 2025-05-07 UTC+2

May FOMC Meeting: A Preview

We'll learn the results of the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting on Wednesday. On one hand, it's a routine event with a predetermined outcome. On the other hand, the currency

Irina Manzenko 00:32 2025-05-07 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.