Dollar mostly flat as softer US data fuel dovish rate bets

The US dollar remained largely unchanged against key currencies on Tuesday as investors anticipated a dovish stance from the Federal Reserve following weaker economic data. The euro retreated from a two-month peak of $1.161 earlier in the week, edging up 0.07% to $1.1587. Recent economic indicators, such as unexpected job losses and mild inflation readings, have prompted investors to reassess their expectations of a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.

In response, the probability of a September quarter-point hike by the Fed has shifted nearly 70% to a hold. Eugene Epstein, head of structured products for Moneycorp North America, noted that the recent dovish reaction in the dollar is a result of the market interpreting the Federal Reserve's last meeting as a more cautious approach.

Both the US dollar and the Swiss franc strengthened, with the dollar up 0.15% to 0.812 per franc, while the British pound held steady at $1.35420, just below a three-month high. The dollar's decline is influenced by joint US and Japanese actions to bolster the yen following a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has contributed to inflationary worries.

Analysts remain uncertain about future inflation trends, as the conflict between Iran and the US continues to disrupt global financial markets.