FX.co ★ Why USD stands still while Fed meeting less than two weeks away

The dollar is trying to regain bullish sentiment after a series of sell-offs that dragged its index to 93.50. On its way to 93.50, the greenback received strong support from the bulls allowing it to go above 93.80, recently. It looks like a good sign as the bullish interest is present marking that the downward correction may have ended.

Nevertheless, a bearish trend prevails in the short term. The dollar needs to break through the upper boundary at 93.95 to finally maintain the uptrend. This may also shift the focus to the medium term - the Fed's divergence of the monetary policy along with other major central banks such as the Bank of England or the Bank of Canada.

The US indices are showing outstanding readings despite the COVID-19 outspread, hikes in prices, and supply chain bottlenecks. Companies are prospering, third-quarter earnings reports exceeded analysts' expectations. All above indicates that the Fed is likely to taper its stimulus measures starting in November.

How strong the potential momentum may the dollar have given such circumstances? The greenback might have looked way better against its counterparts than now. Early signals from the regulator to taper the asset purchasing program usually trigger a strong rally. The dollar has slightly grown. However, it is expected to show a skyrocketing rally as we are speaking about the dollar. Many perceive the dollar as a high-flyer, but the current readings prove otherwise.

Against the yen, the US dollar showed spectacular strengthening touching the September 2017 highs. It was the only success for USD. Against other major currencies, the dollar weakened. For example, CAD reached a 3-month high yesterday.

The Fed meeting is less than two weeks away, so why isn't the dollar rising? The Fed prepared the market for the policy changes giving as much information as possible. According to the regulator, the tapering of the stimulus program is expected to be started in November. One could say that the value of the dollar includes this extremely important event. This is partly true as the USD quotes do not support it. The Fed implemented their plan perfectly.

A collapse or an uncontrollable situation in the markets due to changes in the Fed's policy is likely to be avoided. In fact, it was avoided.

That is how it becomes clear why neither strong macroeconomic data nor new stock market highs trigger the growth of the dollar.

The dollar, as a safe-haven asset, is difficult to attract buyers in the current market environment as risk appetite makes them refrain from buying it. However, there is also a supporting factor - the growth of treasuries. This factor may allow the dollar to avoid losses against its main counterparts. That is all for now. The USD index is above 93.50, which is positive news. There is a chance to continue the upward movement with the appropriate news support.

Today, markets will assess the weekly unemployment claims statistics. In addition, the Existing Home Sales report and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index will be released.