North American markets return from their respective long weekends with the Dollar Index (DXY) trading a little above the two-month low reached in quiet trade yesterday, breaking a streak of six consecutive daily losses for the index, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.

USD steadies after recent losses

"Markets have little news to go on, however; US yields are tracking a little higher and comments from key Fed policymakers (Waller) indicate that policy will remain on hold until the inflation 'bump' (In Waller’s words) fades. Yield spreads may offer the USD a little support in general terms in the short run as markets continue to consider tariff risks and their consequences."

"Broader trends in FX may remain flat until more clarity on the tariff situation develops. The MXN is a moderate outperformer on the session, with the AUD not so far behind. The RBA—finally—joined the global central bank easing movement with a 25bps cut (its first since the pandemic) in the cash rate to 4.10%. However, Governor Bullock cautioned that the move should not be interpreted as an endorsement of market pricing for further cuts ahead."

"The RBNZ is expected to deliver a 50bps cut in its key rate this evening (20ET). US data reports today include the February Empire Survey and the NAHB Housing Market Index. The Fed’s Daly and Barr speak later in the session."