The US dollar hovered near an 18-month high on Monday, led by safe-haven demand as escalating attacks in the Middle East over the weekend kept investors on edge ahead of key US inflation data due later this week.
The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, rose 0.37% to 102.58, its highest level since April 2025.
Minutes from the Fed’s latest policy meeting have also indicated the possibility of another interest rate hike in December, although market expectations of an October rate increase have moderated. The prospect of interest rates remaining elevated for longer continues to underpin the dollar’s strength.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices have maintained an upward bias despite President Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and an agreement with Russia concerning substantial diesel supplies. Persistent geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, particularly following recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, continue to sustain a geopolitical risk premium in crude oil prices, and supporting the dollar as crude oil is world over traded in dollars.
According to market experts, for Indian equity markets, including the Sensex and Nifty 50, a strong dollar could pose a fresh challenge by encouraging foreign investors to shift money towards US assets, putting pressure on foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows and weakening the rupee.