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The US Dollar (USD) weakened against major currencies on Monday as traders reduced safe-haven positions following a US-Iran peace deal that eased geopolitical tensions and improved risk appetite. The agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reduced fears of oil supply disruptions, prompting investors to shift capital to higher-risk assets. However, the USD found partial support from expectations of continued Federal Reserve rate hikes, as officials signaled a data-dependent but hawkish stance. Market participants are now balancing the short-term geopolitical relief with longer-term monetary policy considerations.
The USD's mixed performance highlights the interplay between geopolitical developments and central bank policy. While the peace deal reduced immediate pressure on the USD as a safe-haven asset, the Fed's commitment to tightening remains a key underpinning. Traders are closely monitoring upcoming Fed speeches and economic data for clues about the pace of rate hikes. The EUR/USD pair, for example, rose above 1.08 as risk-on sentiment grew, but the USD held firm against emerging market currencies due to its policy advantage.
For global markets, the news underscores the dual forces driving USD dynamics. Investors should watch for shifts in oil prices and regional stability indicators, which could reverse the current USD weakness. Additionally, any deviation in Fed policy from its hawkish trajectory could amplify USD volatility. Traders are advised to maintain a balanced approach, considering both geopolitical and monetary factors in their strategies.