Dollar Weakens and Gold Surges on US Trade Uncertainty

Group 1: Dollar Index and Economic Indicators - The dollar index (DXY00) fell by -0.10% due to concerns that foreign investors may avoid dollar assets after President Trump raised global tariffs to 15% from 10% following a Supreme Court ruling [1] - The January Chicago Fed National Activity Index rose by +0.39 to a 9-month high of 0.18, exceeding expectations of 0.01 [3] - The February Dallas Fed manufacturing outlook survey increased by +1.4 to a 7-month high of 0.2, stronger than the expected -0.5 [3] Group 2: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - Fed Governor Christopher Waller indicated that his decision on supporting an interest rate cut at the March FOMC meeting will depend on February labor market data [4] - Swaps markets are pricing in a 5% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18 [4] - The FOMC is expected to cut interest rates by about -50 basis points in 2026, contrasting with the BOJ's expected rate increase of +25 basis points in the same year [5] Group 3: Euro and Yen Performance - The euro (EUR/USD) rose by +0.04% amid dollar weakness, supported by a stronger German February IFO business climate survey which rose to a 6-month high [5] - The German February IFO business climate survey increased by +1.0 to 88.6, surpassing expectations of 88.3 [6] - The yen (USD/JPY) fell by -0.23% as it gained support from a weaker dollar and lower T-note yields, although trading was below average due to a holiday in Japan [6]