Dollar Nears Four-Month Low Amid Tariff Uncertainty and Jobs Data Focus

The U.S. dollar hovered near a four-month low on Friday as uncertainty over tariff policies and economic growth prospects weighed on investor sentiment. A temporary reprieve on tariffs targeting Mexico and Canada, announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday, did little to support the greenback. Meanwhile, market participants awaited U.S. nonfarm payrolls data, set for release later in the day.

The dollar slipped to a three-month low of 0.8820 against the Swiss franc and weakened slightly against the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso. Trump’s tariff suspension is set to expire on April 2, when reciprocal levies will take effect on all U.S. trading partners. Analysts, including Kieran Williams of InTouch Capital Markets, noted that signs of waning U.S. economic strength have led to a diminished appeal for the dollar, with inflationary concerns failing to provide support.

The focus remains on February’s U.S. jobs report, which is expected to show 160,000 job additions, up from 143,000 in January, with unemployment steady at 4.0%. However, a surge in planned layoffs—172,017 in February, the highest since previous recessions—has fueled concerns about economic slowdown. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to address the economic outlook later in the day, with markets pricing in 77 basis points in rate cuts for 2025.

The U.S. dollar index edged down 0.05% to 104.15, while the euro held at $1.0790 after hitting a four-month high. The yen strengthened slightly, with the dollar trading at 147.86 yen. Meanwhile, Bitcoin dropped 4.61% to $85,354.63 following an executive order by Trump establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve funded through asset forfeiture.