Dollar forecast: US Dollar fails to hold 99.00 – Sinks below 98.00 – What’s next? [Video]

• Dollar rejects 99.00 and breaks below 98.00, confirming bearish momentum.
• Risk-on flows and Fed pause bets drive capital away from the USD.
• Downside targets at 97.00 and 96.37 if bearish Fair Value Gap holds as resistance.

Market narrative: Dollar breaks down after structural rejection

The US Dollar Index (DXY) has decisively turned lower after failing to reclaim the psychological 99.00 level, marking a key shift in both sentiment and structure. A clean rejection from a 4H Fair Value Gap (FVG) at the top of the previous range triggered a strong selloff, breaking below 98.00 and now targeting deeper liquidity levels. This development comes amidst an improving risk environment globally, softening U.S. inflation, and growing belief that the Fed will remain on pause through the summer. Political uncertainty, including potential interference in Fed independence, further undermines investor confidence in the USD.

Drivers behind the USD selloff

Failed breakout + Technical rejection from 99 level

• DXY attempted a move above 99.00 but was met with strong selling pressure near a clearly defined 4H Fair Value Gap.
• The rejection confirms distribution at premium prices and traps late buyers, accelerating downside momentum.

Fed pause expectations gain traction

• U.S. CPI came in softer than expected, pushing markets to expectations for pro-longer pause on interest rates.
• Multiple Fed officials hinted at a prolonged hold, reinforcing dovish market positioning.

Risk sentiment shifts to “risk-on” mode

• Nasdaq and S&P 500 hit new all-time highs.

• Gold and crypto assets are climbing—indicating a rotation away from defensive USD exposure.

Political volatility amplifies USD fragility

• Ongoing speculation over Trump–Powell tension raised alarm over the Fed’s independence.
• With the August 1 tariff deadline looming, uncertainty is adding to USD’s instability.

Technical outlook: Structure break confirmed

DXY rejected the Fair Value Gap and has now broken decisively below the 98.00 handle, confirming a shift in market structure. This is inline with Monday’s weekly forecast: Weekly Forecast: Nasdaq & S&P 500 Hit All-Time Highs, XRP Leads Crypto Breakout, Gold Eyes $3,400

Bullish scenario: FVG reclaim and breakout continuation

If the U.S. dollar reclaims the Bearish FVG and holds above 97.90–98.30, we could see a short-term bullish reversal, targeting upside inefficiencies and liquidity pools.

Reasons for bounce

• Rejection from oversold area (short-term profit taking)
• FVG + Short Term Range Breakout
• Risk-off flows (e.g., geopolitical flare-up)
• Short-covering rally

Targets

• 98.50 – Gap fill
• 99.00 – Psychological + structure
• 99.50 – Range high liquidity

Bearish scenario: FVG acts as resistance and downtrend resumes

If DXY fails to reclaim the Bearish FVG by breaking and closing above, and price gets rejected at 97.90–98.20, we likely see continuation to the downside toward the next major support.

Reasons for drop

• Continued USD weakness from Fed pause bets.
• Bearish reaction from FVG zone.
• Bearish technical structure remains intact.
• Liquidity below remains uncollected.

Logical targets

• 97.00 – Psychological round level.
• 96.50 – Previous breakout zone.
• 96.37 – Higher timeframe demand + 2025 ATL.