The dollar index hovered around 99.4 on Monday, near a two-week low, as investors positioned themselves for a crucial month that could see the Federal Reserve deliver its final rate cut of the year. Traders are now pricing in an 87% probability of a 25bps reduction at the Fed’s meeting next week, with expectations for three additional reductions in 2026. The dollar logged its worst week in four months last week, following a sharp shift in expectations for Fed easing and reports that White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair, a move seen as aligned with President Donald Trump’s preference for lower interest rates. On Sunday, Trump said he has decided on his pick for the next Fed chair and will make his announcement soon. Investors are looking ahead to fresh US economic data this week, including private payrolls figures, though they will have to wait until December 16 for the official monthly jobs report.
