From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-15 20:49:00

The dollar strengthened on Friday, boosted by a rebound in import prices and subdued consumer sentiment due to tariff concerns. Import prices rose 0.1% last month, defying expectations of a 0.4% decrease. Consumer sentiment dropped to 50.8 this month, with 12-month inflation expectations rising to 7.3%. The dollar is up 0.7% this week, its largest gain in 2.5 months.

Recent trade developments have led to a surge in the dollar index to 101.13, with the euro down to $1.1146. Despite a 3% decline since April, the dollar remains volatile due to ongoing trade turbulence. Markets have scaled back expectations for rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with a 67.1% chance of a 25 bps cut in September. Fed officials seek more data before adjusting policy.

Against the Japanese yen, the dollar rose to 145.89 as Japan’s economy shrank for the first time in a year. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato aims to discuss currency issues with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Sterling weakened to $1.327, down 0.1% for the week. Trade tensions continue to impact currency markets.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: US dollar rises after data, set for fourth straight weekly gain