Dollar hovers near three-month lows on Fed rates prospects

Dollar fell in European trade against a basket of major rivals, sharpening the decline for the third straight session and almost hitting three-month lows amid renewed selloff pressures on the currency following weak US data and Fed's minutes. 

It's now clear that Fed members are preparing for a slower pace of rate hikes, paving the way for a 0.5% rate hike in December.

The Index

The dollar index fell 0.4% to 105.63 with a session-high at 106.07, while closing 1% lower yesterday, the second loss in a row, with the index approaching recent three-month lows at 105.34. 

Weak Data

Recent US data showed industrial activities slowed down sharply for the first time in 2-1/5 years as increased interest rates hampered new orders.

The data overall showed a decline in services and industrial activities in November for the fifth month in a row, a sign of recession.

The Fed

Fed's minutes yesterday showed US policymakers are content about the slowdown in inflation, and are moving toward smaller rate hikes.

Fed Rates

Chances of a 0.5% rate hike rose from 75% to 85%, while chances of 75% rate hike fell from 25% to 15%.