Dollar higher after Iran sanctions, loonie drops after US announces tariff increases

The U.S. dollar gained ground on Monday, reversing a four-week decline that had driven the currency to three-month lows following President Donald Trump's administration's announcement of expanded sanctions on Iran and additional tariffs on Canadian goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a broader secondary sanctions scheme, aiming to sever all economic support lines to Iran, as part of efforts to compel Tehran to cease attacks on ships in the Gulf.

Concurrently, the Treasury hinted at utilizing its $1 trillion General Account to fund bond buybacks, potentially releasing a significant portion of these funds from the $1 trillion General Account to aid in such buybacks. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback against a basket of currencies, rose by 0.17% to 98.99, while the euro slipped by 0.14% to $1.1663.

Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar weakened by 0.61% against the U.S. dollar, marking its steepest drop since June 17, as Washington announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, signaling potential retaliation with dollar-for-dollar levies.