Dollar holds gain as investors await US data

The dollar index held steady at 99.5 on Tuesday after two days of gains, as investors awaited a series of delayed economic data due this week that could provide clarity on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path.

Among the key releases, September’s non-farm payrolls report on Thursday will be closely scrutinized.

Several Fed officials have recently expressed doubt about the likelihood of another rate cut in December, citing caution amid lingering inflation risk.

Meanwhile, Fed Governor Christopher Waller and Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson on Monday highlighted growing risks to the labor market.

Waller reaffirmed his support for a rate cut next month, while Jefferson suggested the central bank should proceed “slowly” with any further reductions.

Markets are currently pricing in a 46% chance of a 25bps rate cut in December, down from over 60% last week.