The dollar index (DXY00) today is up by +0.34%. Today's stock slump has boosted liquidity demand for the dollar. Also, higher T-note yields today have strengthened the dollar's interest rate differentials. Today's US economic news was mostly supportive for the dollar as weekly jobless claims rose less than expected and the Jan trade deficit narrowed more than expected, while Jan housing starts unexpectedly rose to an 11-month high.
US weekly initial unemployment claims fell -1,000 to 213,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 215,000.
