The dollar index (DXY00) rallied to a 6-week high on Thursday and finished up by +0.13%. Doubts over a US-Iran peace deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz boosted safe-haven demand for the dollar today after Reuters reported that Iran's Supreme Leader said enriched uranium must stay in Iran. The dollar added to its gains on Thursday after the US May manufacturing PMI expanded at its strongest pace in four years. In addition, hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee boosted the dollar when he said he was worried about inflation.
The dollar fell back from its best level on Thursday after reports that the US and Iran were close to a peace deal sent WTI crude oil prices sharply lower after initially rallying early on Thursday. Lower crude prices weaken inflation expectations and could prompt the Fed to loosen monetary policy, a bearish factor for the dollar. In addition, Thursday's stock rebound curbed liquidity demand for the dollar.
