Dollar Tumbles After Weak Durable Goods Orders

The dollar fell sharply on Monday after the Commerce Department reported that orders for durable goods fell more than expected in July. This decline fueled worries about a slowdown in economic growth.

The report indicated a 4.9% drop in orders, significantly worse than economists’ forecasts. This negative surprise prompted a sell-off of the dollar against the euro, yen, and pound sterling.

Analysts suggested that the weaker-than-expected data could lead the Federal Reserve to reconsider its tightening monetary policy. Previously, the market had widely anticipated further interest rate increases. However, the prospect of a slowing economy might make the Fed more cautious.

“The durable goods data definitely throws a wrench into the expectations for continued rate hikes,” said John Smith, chief currency strategist at Global Investments. “The market is now pricing in a higher probability of a pause in the Fed’s tightening cycle.”

The euro rose to a one-month high against the dollar, while the yen also gained ground. The pound sterling benefited from the dollar’s weakness as well.

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