
USD Forecast: Dollar Index Surges Above 98.00 - Will FOMC and NFP Push DXY to 99.50? - Next Scenarios to Watch

- Dollar Index rebounds strongly from 97.50, reclaiming the key 98.00 level and invalidating the mid‑July bearish FVG.
- Markets now eye the 98.95–99.50 resistance zone, with FOMC, NFP, and Core PCE releases acting as pivotal catalysts this week.
- Bullish continuation depends on holding 98.40–98.50, while a breakdown below this zone could drag DXY back toward 97.80–97.40.
Dollar on the Move with Macro Catalysts and Structure Validation
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has confirmed the bullish scenario outlined in our - Dollar Forecast: US Dollar Fails to Hold 99.00 – Sinks Below 98.00 - What’s Next? - and recent webinar:
Gold Pulls Back, Equities on ATHs, Dollar Awaits Fed Decision and NFP – What to Expect This Week, surging sharply after bouncing from the 97.50 level.
Previous Forecasts:


Current Price Action:

This reversal has pushed the greenback back above the critical 98.00 level, invalidating the bearish fair value gap (FVG) structure that capped price action in mid‑July. With price now pausing near 98.70, the Dollar is poised to reach the 99.00–99.50 resistance zone if momentum holds.
U.S. Dollar Macro Drivers

- Investor attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s July 29–30 FOMC meeting, where no rate changes are expected. Markets are pricing in a 63.7%(still developing, might change) probability of a rate cut in September, contingent on incoming jobs, PCE inflation, and GDP data.
- A new U.S.–EU trade agreement agreed on July 28 imposed 15% tariffs on most EU goods, halving the threat of 30% tariffs. This clarity has eased geopolitical uncertainty and spurred strength in the U.S. dollar, even as European equities and risk assets rallied.
- The European Central Bank (ECB) held its benchmark rate at 2.15%, dampening expectations of imminent rate cuts and contributing to euro weakness, pushing the dollar for more upside since Euro is weighted with the U.S. dollar by 57.6%.
- BlackRock’s commentary flagged the adoption of the U.S.’s Genius Act as legitimizing stablecoins and reinforcing the dollar's dominance in global payments infrastructure—supportive of long‑term dollar strength.
Technical Outlook: DXY at Inflection Zone

The Dollar Index (DXY) is currently trading around 98.66–98.70, approaching a key resistance zone just below 98.95–99.00. This area aligns with the previous mid‑July resistance level, making it a crucial inflection zone for the next directional move.
Bullish Scenario: Continuation to 99.50

- If the U.S. dollar holds the 98.40–98.50 demand zone (highlighted in blue) after a potential pullback, we could see a continuation toward the 99.00–99.20 resistance zone.
- A clean breakout above 98.30–98.50 Fair Value Gap level would confirm strength and open the door for an extension to the 99.50 target.
Triggers:
- Hawkish or neutral Federal Reserve guidance at the upcoming FOMC meeting.
- Strong Non‑Farm Payrolls and other U.S. macro data supporting USD demand.
Targets:
- Immediate: 98.95–99.00
- Extension: 99.50
Bearish Scenario: Rejection and Breakdown

- If price fails to break through 98.95–99.00 and instead rejects, expect a retest of the 98.40–98.50 support zone.
- A decisive breakdown below 98.40-98.30 would shift sentiment bearish, exposing 97.80 first and the 97.40 liquidity sweep zone next.
Triggers:
- Dovish Fed tone or weak macroeconomic releases (e.g., disappointing NFP).
- Risk‑on market sentiment weighing on safe‑haven demand for USD.
Targets:
- Initial: 98.40–98.50 support zone
- Breakdown: 97.80, then 97.40
Anticipating Key News Releases This Week

The Dollar’s next move will likely hinge on a packed of major high impact news:
- Wednesday, July 30: ADP Employment Change, Q2 GDP (PREL), and the FOMC interest rate decision & press conference.
- Thursday, July 31: Core PCE inflation (Fed’s preferred gauge).
- Friday, August 1: Non‑Farm Payrolls, Average Hourly Earnings, and ISM Manufacturing PMI.
These events are high‑impact catalysts that could either confirm the bullish continuation or trigger a rejection at current levels.
Start Practicing with Confidence - Risk-Free!
Open a free demo account today and experience institutional-grade spreads, lightning-fast execution, and all the tools you need to grow as a trader.
- Trade forex, indices, gold, and more
- Access ACY, MT4, MT5, & Copy Trading Platforms
- Practice with zero risk
It’s time to go from theory to execution - risk-free.
Create an Account. Start Your Free Demo!
Check Out My Contents:
Strategies That You Can Use
How To Trade & Scalp Indices at the Open Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
How to Trade Breakouts Effectively in Day Trading with Smart Money Concepts
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Day Trading Gold (XAU/USD) with Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
The Power of Multi-Timeframe Analysis in Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Forex Trading Strategy for Beginners
Mastering Candlestick Pattern Analysis with the SMC Strategy for Day Trading
Mastering Risk Management: Stop Loss, Take Profit, and Position Sizing
How to Use Fibonacci to Set Targets & Stops (Complete Guide)
RSI Divergence Trading Strategy for Gold: How to Identify and Trade Trend Reversals
Stochastics Trading Secrets: How to Time Entries in Trending Markets using Stochastics
Gold Trading Stochastics Strategy: How to Trade Gold with 2R–3R Targets
RSI Hidden Divergence Explained: How to Spot Trend Continuations Like a Pro
How To Trade News
Why Smart Money Concepts Work in News-Driven Markets - CPI, NFP, and More
How to Trade NFP Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)-A Proven Strategy for Forex Traders
How to Trade CPI Like Smart Money - A Step-by-Step Guide Using SMC
Learn How to Trade US Indices
How to Start Trading Indices and Get into the Stock Market with Low Capital (2025 Guide)
Best Indices to Trade for Day Traders | NASDAQ, S&P 500, DAX + Best Times to Trade Them
How To Trade & Scalp Indices at the Open Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
NAS100 - How to Trade the Nasdaq Like a Pro (Smart Money Edition)
How to Trade CPI Like Smart Money - A Step-by-Step Guide Using SMC
Why Smart Money Concepts Work in News-Driven Markets - CPI, NFP, and More
How to Start Trading Gold
How to Swing Trade Gold (XAU/USD) Using Smart Money Concepts: A Simple Guide for Traders
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Day Trading Gold (XAU/USD) with Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
The Ultimate Guide to Backtesting and Trading Gold (XAU/USD) Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Why Gold Remains the Ultimate Security in a Shifting World
How to Trade Japanese Candlesticks
How to Trade Candlestick Patterns with High Probability: A Complete Guide for Beginners
The Top Japanese Candlestick Guide: What is an Engulfing Pattern and How to Trade It?
Piercing Pattern Candlestick Explained: How to Trade It - Step-By-Step Guide
Morning & Evening Star Candlestick Patterns – How to Trade Market Reversals with Confidence
How to Start Day Trading
5 Steps to Start Day Trading: A Strategic Guide for Beginners
8 Steps How to Start Forex Day Trading in 2025: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
3 Steps to Build a Trading Routine for Consistency and Discipline - Day Trading Edition
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Market Trends and Price Action
Trading with Momentum: The Best Trading Session to Trade Forex, Gold and Indices
Learn how to navigate yourself in times of turmoil
How to Identify Risk-On and Risk-Off Market Sentiment: A Complete Trader’s Guide
How to Trade Risk-On and Risk-Off Sentiment - With Technical Confirmation
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Market Trends and Price Action
Want to learn how to trade like the Smart Money?
Why Smart Money Concepts Work: The Truth Behind Liquidity and Price Action
Mastering the Market with Smart Money Concepts: 5 Strategic Approaches
Mastering Candlestick Pattern Analysis with the SMC Strategy for Day Trading
Understanding Liquidity Sweep: How Smart Money Trades Liquidity Zones in Forex, Gold, US Indices
The SMC Playbook Series Part 4: How to Confirm Trend Reversal & Direction using SMC
The SMC Playbook Series Part 5: The Power of Multi-Timeframe Analysis in Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Fair Value Gaps Explained: How Smart Money Leaves Footprints in the Market
The Best Time to Use Smart Money Concepts (SMC): Why Timing Is Everything in Trading SMC
How to Trade the London Session Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Trading Psychology and Continuous Improvement Contents
The Mental Game of Execution - Debunking the Common Trading Psychology
5 Steps to Backtest a Trading Strategy with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Managing Trading Losses: Why You Can Be Wrong and Still Win Big in Trading
The Hidden Threat in Trading: How Performance Anxiety Sabotages Your Edge
Why You Fail in Trading: You Don’t Have Enough Capital to Survive
Why 90% of Retail Traders Fail Even with Profitable Trading Strategies
The Top 10 Best Trading Books That Changed My Mindset, Strategy & Performance
Discovering Your Trader Profile: What Kind of Trader Are You?
Follow me for more daily market insights!
Jasper Osita - LinkedIn - FXStreet - YouTube
This content may have been written by a third party. ACY makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or other information supplies by any third-party. This content is information only, and does not constitute financial, investment or other advice on which you can rely.
LiquidityFinder
LiquidityFinder was created to take the friction out of the process of sourcing Business to Business (B2B) liquidity; to become the central reference point for liquidity in OTC electronic markets, and the means to access them. Our mission is to provide streamlined modern solutions and share valuable insight and knowledge that benefit our users.
If you would like to contribute to our website or wish to contact us, please click here or you can email us directly at press@liquidityfinder.com.