(Kitco News) - The U.S. dollar index is a basket of six major world currencies weighted against the greenback. The USDX is an important “outside market” that has a near-daily price influence on other markets, including the precious metals. The USDX is also a good barometer of the health of the U.S. economy, which is the largest in the world.
The USDX recently hit a two-year high and is trending higher on the charts. In fact, the monthly chart for the USDX shows prices have been in an uptrend since 2008. It’s important to note that trends in the currency markets tend to be stronger and longer-lasting than price trends in other markets. While the uptrend in the USDX is a mature one, at 16 years old, there are no strong, early technical clues to suggest the index will put in a major market top any time soon.
A Federal Reserve that has very likely become more tentative on further cutting U.S. interest rates in the coming new year will also work in favor of the USDX bulls.
The U.S. economy may have its problems in 2025, including the prospects of stubborn price inflation and/or headwinds from any new trade tariffs initiated by the incoming Trump presidential administration. However, it’s likely the U.S. currency will remain “the cleanest dirty shirt in the drawer” of other major currencies. The U.S. dollar also still holds the title of the safest currency in the world, so any new geopolitical unrest would also likely support the USDX.
Look for currency traders to continue to sell the majors (Euro, British pound, Canada dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen) against the U.S. dollar, as well as the periphery currencies, in the coming new year.
Importantly, in 2025 I also look for the gold and silver markets to become less sensitive (less bearish) to the U.S. dollar appreciating on the foreign exchange market. On a longer-term basis, this phenomenon has been apparent in recent years. Just look at a longer-term gold chart and a longer-term USDX chart—both are trending up.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my valued Kitco readers for reading my stuff for the past 15 years. I enjoy writing it for you and want to wish you all the happiest holiday season.—Jim (jim@jimwyckoff.com)
