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Investing.com - The U.S. dollar fell Wednesday, continuing to retreat after a tame inflation reading bolstered expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut next month.
At 04:25 ET (08:25 GMT), the Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six other currencies, traded 0.4% lower to 97.540, after falling 0.5% in the prior session.
Fed rate cut in September?
U.S. consumer prices increased marginally in July, data showed on Tuesday, increasing the chances of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next month as the impact of the Trump administration’s tariff policies on inflation has so far been limited.
Investors have moved to price in a 98% chance the central bank would ease rates next month, impacting negatively on the dollar.
“At this stage, the dollar has few bullish arguments to hold onto. Upcoming surveys might paint a better activity picture, but it’s all about the jobs market now: a substantial recovery in the dollar from these levels appears realistic only if jobs figures turn significantly stronger,” said analysts at ING, in a note.
There’s little in the way of significant economic data due for release during this session, but a separate gauge of producer prices for final demand is due out on Thursday, while a metric of American retail sales and a survey of consumer sentiment are expected to be published on Friday.
“The proximity to the Trump-Russia summit on Friday and recent reassessment of the chances of an imminent ceasefire mean the dollar may not fall much further for now,” ING added.
Euro trades higher
In Europe, EUR/USD gained 0.3% to 1.1712, adding to gains of around 0.5% during the prior session.
Spain’s European Union-harmonised 12-month inflation rate rose to 2.7% in July, up from 2.3% in the period through June, while the German equivalent was confirmed at 1.8%.
“EUR/USD’s bullish case is stronger after yesterday’s US inflation report. However, a break above might be delayed until after the Trump-Putin meeting on Friday,” said ING.
GBP/USD traded 0.4% higher to 1.3560, after data showed U.K. pay growth remained at an elevated level, underscoring why the Bank of England is so cautious about cutting interest rates.
Yen gains after PPI release
Elsewhere, USD/CNY was largely flat at 7.1763 after falling earlier this week on the U.S. and China announcing a 90-day extension in their temporary trade agreement.
U.S. officials said talks with Beijing will pick up in the coming months.
USD/JPY traded 0.2% lower to 147.46, with the yen gaining after the release of slightly stronger than expected PPI data, which could prompt the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates further.
AUD/USD gained 0.4% to 0.6551, with the Aussie dollar rising even after the Reserve Bank of Australia cut its benchmark rate on Tuesday, its third such rate cut this year.