
The dollar index (DXY00) Friday fell by -0.42%. The dollar fell back from Thursday’s 2-year high as strength in stocks on Friday reduced liquidity demand for the dollar. Losses in the dollar accelerated due to dovish comments from Richmond Fed President Barkin, who said the Fed doesn’t need to be as restrictive as it once thought. On the positive side for the dollar was the rise in T-note yields on the stronger-than-expected US Dec ISM manufacturing index, a hawkish factor for Fed policy.
The US Dec ISM manufacturing index unexpectedly rose +0.9 to a 9-month high of 49.3, stronger than expectations of a decline to 48.2.