Dollar scales three-month peak on yields boost

The US dollar surged to a three-month high on Thursday, propelled by a series of factors that have raised expectations for sustained interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. The euro and British pound both weakened against the dollar, with the euro falling 0.11% to $1.1317 and the pound dropping 0.1% to $1.32495. This dollar strength was driven by a combination of rising US Treasury yields and concerns over persistent global inflationary pressures, particularly in Europe, stemming from the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

While initially buoyed by the prospect of higher rates, the dollar is now showing greater sensitivity to broader economic conditions, according to analysts. September saw the dollar reach a level of 101.66 against a basket of currencies, marking its highest point since mid-June. Global bonds experienced their largest monthly decline in years, which contributed to the upward pressure on yields.

The Australian and New Zealand dollars also underperformed, hitting two-month lows as investors adjusted expectations for potential rate hikes by their respective central banks.