Share

Dollar takes a pause in rate-driven climb

New York - The dollar dipped slightly against the euro on Monday after soaring on last week's blockbuster US jobs report that firmed the case for a Federal Reserve interest rate increase this year.

The official data last Friday showed the strongest US job growth of the year in October, rebounding from a two-month weak patch, pushing the odds of a Fed rate hike in December up sharply.

The dollar slipped against the euro, which bought $1.0748 around 2200, compared to $1.0742 at the same time on Friday. Against the Japanese currency, the greenback inched up a bit, to 123.19 yen from 123.16 yen.

"Markets paused to take stock and profit in the dollar's latest winning streak which coaxed it a little under fresh six-month highs against the euro and a currency basket," said Joe Manimbo of Western Union Business Solutions.

"Market focus on monetary policies that are expected to loosen in Europe and tighten in the US suggests more open road for the dollar to run over the foreseeable future," he said.

The greenback has been benefiting from the diverging policies of central banks as the Fed anticipates raising its benchmark federal funds rate from near zero, where it has been parked since December 2008.

Other central banks, such as the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan, are on an easing course to boost faltering economic growth.

Manimbo pointed out that the euro has lost about 6.5% of its value against the dollar since mid-October, which can help battle tepid inflation in the 19-nation eurozone by pushing up the cost of imported goods.

"If sustained, a weaker euro suggests the European Central Bank might not have to go as aggressively in strengthening stimulus, a view that could help ease headwinds on the euro."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.17
-0.9%
Rand - Pound
23.85
-0.7%
Rand - Euro
20.42
-0.6%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
-0.7%
Rand - Yen
0.12
-0.7%
Platinum
953.60
+0.1%
Palladium
1,034.00
-0.1%
Gold
2,388.08
+1.1%
Silver
28.41
+0.6%
Brent Crude
87.29
-3.1%
Top 40
67,190
+0.4%
All Share
73,271
+0.4%
Resource 10
63,297
-0.1%
Industrial 25
98,419
+0.6%
Financial 15
15,480
+0.6%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders