The dollar index (DXY00) on Wednesday fell to a new 2.75-month low but then recovered and ended the day little changed. The dollar continues to trade on a weak note despite Tuesday's stronger-than-expected US GDP report of +4.3% and the reduced odds for Fed easing. The markets have reduced the odds for a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting to the current level of 16% from 20% before the GDP report.
In a report released Wednesday, US weekly initial unemployment claims fell by -10,000 to 214,000 in the week ended Dec 20, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of 224,000. Continuing claims rose by +38,000 to 1.923 million from the previous week's revised 1.885 million (preliminary 1.897 million), which showed a weaker labor market than expectations of 1.900 million.
