Dollar Sinks as Inflation Eases and Rate Cut Bets Increase

The U.S. dollar fell sharply against major currencies following a benign U.S. producer price reading, reinforcing expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. Risk-sensitive currencies gained, notably the Australian and New Zealand dollars, amid investor optimism. Markets anticipate crucial U.S. consumer price index data could further influence Fed decisions.

The U.S. dollar continued its decline on Wednesday, pressured by a benign U.S. producer price reading that bolstered expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year.

Risk-sensitive currencies, including the Australian and New Zealand dollars, saw gains as the softening inflation buoyed equities. The Australian dollar hit a three-week peak, while sterling traded near a two-week high following its best one-day performance against the dollar since late April.

With markets anticipating crucial U.S. consumer price index (CPI) figures, traders remain split over potential rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The dollar index stabilized at 102.63 after a 0.49% slump overnight. Analysts expect further weakness if core CPI readings remain low, intensifying bets on large rate cuts by the Federal Open Market Committee.

(With inputs from agencies.)