The dollar index (DXY00) is up by +0.17% today. The dollar is moving higher today as escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran is boosting crude oil prices, which raises inflation expectations that could prompt the Fed to tighten monetary policy, a supportive factor for the dollar. The dollar also received some safe-haven support today on signs of widening of the conflict in the Middle East after Houthi rebels said they will impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia in retaliation for what they say is the kingdom's siege on the Yemeni capital. Strength in stocks today has reduced liquidity demand for the dollar, limiting gains in the currency.
Today's US economic news was slightly negative for the dollar after the Jun leading indicators fell -0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.1% m/m.
Dollar Supported by Higher T-Note Yields and Crude Prices
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The US conducted a ninth straight day of airstrikes on Iran, bombing military targets and communications networks, and Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles at US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq. The New York Times reported that the US is sending more warplanes to the Middle East, including F-35 and F-16 fighter jets. However, crude prices fell from their highs after Iran said it wouldn't abandon diplomacy and that Qatar and Pakistan had reached out to mediate an end to the conflict and proposed a 10-day cessation of strikes between the US and Iran.

#crude