Dollar Gains on Favorable US Economic News
The US dollar has gained ground on favorable economic news, including lower-than-expected weekly jobless claims and stronger-than-anticipated nonfarm productivity. The dollar index DXY rose by +0.17% today. Additionally, a Financial Times report stated that Fed Chair Warsh is willing to raise interest rates at the September FOMC meeting if inflation remains high.
Weekly initial unemployment claims increased by 1,000 to 199,000, beating expectations of 205,000. Q2 nonfarm productivity rose +1.4%, exceeding predictions of +0.6%. Unit labor costs in Q2 also rose less than expected at +1.3%.
The dollar's strength has a bearish effect on precious metals prices. The price of gold and silver have mixed results, with gold climbing to a 7-week high but silver falling by -0.90%. Gold and silver are under pressure due to the dollar's rise and increased inflation expectations fueled by higher crude oil prices.
The yen is also weakening amid a +1% increase in crude oil prices, which is bearish for Japan's economy and the yen. Higher T-note yields are further negative for the yen. The BOJ's current policy rate of 1.00% is below the Fed's federal funds rate target of 3.50%-3.75%, contributing to the yen's decline.