The dollar index (DXY00) is moving lower today and is down by -0.28%. Today's -3% plunge in WTI crude oil prices has lowered inflation expectations and could prompt the Fed to pursue easier monetary policy, a bearish factor for the dollar. Also, lower T-note yields today weaken the dollar's interest rate differential and are negative for the dollar.
The dollar recovered from its worst level today on better-than-expected US economic news. The Apr trade deficit eased to -$55.9 billion from -$56.6 billion in Mar, narrower than the -$56.1 billion expected. Also, May existing home sales rose +3.2% m/m to a 5-month high of 4.17 million, stronger than expectations of 4.07 million.
