The dollar index (DXY00) is up +0.37%. The dollar is finding support from strong US interest rate differentials, as the 10-year T-note yield rose by +5 bp and posted a new 1.5-year high amid today's surge in oil prices of more than +5%. The dollar is also seeing support from today's US unemployment claims report, which showed a slightly stronger US labor market than market expectations.
The dollar is also seeing safe-haven demand after the Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile and drone attack on two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, expanding the oil disruptions beyond the Strait of Hormuz and threatening oil shipments in the Red Sea. The Houthis have vowed to blockade shipping linked to Saudi Arabia and warned shipowners against calling at the nation's ports. The move threatens Saudi oil exports from Yanbu, a Red Sea hub that the Saudi's are using to ship crude since the war brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a near halt. President Trump said Tuesday that if there is a blockade in the Red Sea, the US "will take care of it." Meanwhile, the US and Iran exchanged attacks for the 12th straight day, and the US maintained its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf.
