The dollar index (DXY00) rallied to a 1.5-month high on Wednesday and finished up by +0.64%. The dollar found support Wednesday on signs of US economic growth after Aug retail sales rose more than expected. The dollar raced to its high Wednesday afternoon after the FOMC raised interest rates by 25 bp and signaled another rate hike by the end of the year. The dollar also found support after the FOMC raised its US 2026 GDP forecast and its core inflation estimate.
US Aug retail sales rose +1.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.8% m/m and the biggest increase in 5 months. Aug retail sales ex-autos rose +1.4% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.6% m/m.
