The dollar index (DXY00) on Wednesday rallied to a 1.75-month high, finishing up by 0.31%. The dollar moved higher on Wednesday, supported by a +2% increase in WTI crude oil prices, which lifts inflation expectations and may prompt the Fed to tighten monetary policy, a bullish factor for the dollar.
Gains in the dollar accelerated on Wednesday on stronger-than-expected US economic reports on May ADP employment, the May ISM services index, and Apr factory orders, which are hawkish for Fed policy. In addition, escalation of Middle East tensions is boosting some safe-haven demand for the dollar after US forces intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones aimed at neighboring countries and struck an Iranian command center in response.