Dollar holds steady as investors weigh comments from Fed's Powell

Group 1: U.S. Dollar Performance - The U.S. dollar remained stable against major currencies, with a slight decline of 0.11% against the Swiss franc and a decrease of 0.08% against the Japanese yen [1][6] - The dollar index, which measures the dollar against a basket of currencies, was little changed at 97.25 [4] Group 2: Federal Reserve Commentary - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need to balance high inflation risks with a weakening job market in future interest rate decisions [2] - Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman indicated that the Fed may need to accelerate rate cuts if demand weakens and layoffs occur [3] Group 3: Market Reactions and Expectations - Money markets are pricing in a nearly 90% chance of a rate cut in October, slightly down from 92% the previous day [5] - The Swedish krona appreciated by 0.19% against the dollar following a hawkish 25-basis-point rate cut by the Riksbank, which analysts noted was somewhat surprising given the meeting guidance [6]