US Dollar Short-term Outlook: USD Rally Fails at 100 – Bulls Face Decision Point
US Dollar Index Technical Outlook: USD Short-term Trade Levels
- DXY reversed lower after failing to sustain gains above the 100-handle, marking a clear rejection from a major resistance cluster.
- The pullback has brought price back toward channel support extending from the January lows, where near-term direction is now in focus.
- A sustained move below this support zone would signal a deeper corrective phase, while a rebound here keeps the broader recovery structure intact.
- DXY Resistance 99.68, 100.16/35 (key), 101.00/14 - Support 98.63/68 (key), 98.24, 97.87
The US Dollar has retreated after running into a key resistance zone near the 100 level, halting the recent advance and shifting focus back to support. The pullback comes after a strong recovery from February lows, leaving price action at a critical inflection point within the broader structure. With the index now approaching trend support from the late-January advance, the market faces a pivotal test. A hold here would keep the recovery intact, while a break lower would suggest that the recent rally has run its course. Battle lines drawn on the USD short-term technical charts.
Review my latest Weekly Strategy Webinar for an in-depth breakdown of this US Dollar technical setup and more. Join live on Monday’s at 8:30am EST.
US Dollar Index Price Chart – USD Daily
Chart Prepared by Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist; DXY on TradingView
Technical Outlook: In last month’s US Dollar Short-term Outlook we noted that DXY had, “rallied into pivotal resistance at the January high-close ahead of major event risk tomorrow. From a trading standpoint, losses would need to be limited to 98.24 IF price is heading higher on this stretch with a close above 99.38 needed to fuel the next major leg higher in price.” The index registered an intraday low at 98.49 three-days later before reversing sharply higher with a 2% rally exhausting into confluent resistance last week at 100.15-34- a region defined by the 2024 low, the August high, and the 2024 low-close.
The index has dropped more than 1.6% off the high with price now approaching the channel support extending off the January lows. Its decision time for the bulls at uptrend support and the focus is on a reaction off this slope in the days ahead.
US Dollar Index Price Chart – USD 240min
Chart Prepared by Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist; DXY on TradingView
Notes: A closer look at USD price action shows DXY continuing to trade within the confines of an ascending pitchfork extending off the February low with the lower parallel catching the lows yesterday. Key support rests just lower at 98.63/68- a region defined by the 38.2% retracement of the January advance, the August high-day close (HDC) and the May low. Note that the 1.382% extension of the slope converges on this threshold over the next few days and a break / close below this key pivot zone would suggest a more significant high is in place and a larger reversal is underway. Subsequent support objectives rest with the yearly open at 98.24, backed by the March open at 97.87 and the 61.8% retracement near 97.45. Both these levels represent areas of interest for possible downside exhaustion / price inflection IF reached.
Weekly open resistance stands at 99.68 with a breach / daily close above 100.35 needed to fuel the next major leg of the advance. Subsequent resistance objectives are eyed at the 38.2% retracement of the 2025 decline at 101.00/14 and the September high / HDC at 101.77/92. Look for a larger reaction there IF reached.
Bottom line: The US Dollar index is trading just above pivotal support at the late-January uptrend. From a trading standpoint, losses would need to be limited to 98.63 IF price is heading higher on this stretch with a close above 100.35 needed to mark uptrend resumption.
The economic docket is rather light this week but there are a host of Fed speakers on tap. Traders will remain focused on developments out of the Middle East regarding the war in Iran- keep an eye on the headlines and watch the weekly close here for guidance. Review my latest US Dollar Weekly Forecast for a closer look at the longer-term DXY technical trade levels.
Key US Economic Data Releases
Economic Calendar - latest economic developments and upcoming event risk.
Active Short-term Technical Charts
- Swiss Franc Short-term Outlook: USD/CHF Bulls Rejected at Key Resistance
- Gold Price Short-term Outlook: XAU/USD Plunges 17% – Key Support Break Sparks Risk
- Australian Dollar Outlook: AUD/USD Rejected at 2023 High- Next Move at Stake
- Canadian Dollar Short-term Outlook: USD/CAD Tests Pivotal Resistance– Breakout Risk Builds
- British Pound Short-term Outlook: GBP/USD Bears Charge Pivotal Support for a Seventh Time
- Euro Short-term Outlook: EUR/USD Bears Assault Multi-Month Support- Breakdown Risk Builds
- Japanese Yen Short-term Outlook: USD/JPY Three-Week Surge Stalls – Breakdown Risk Builds
Written by Michael Boutros, Senior Technical Strategist
Follow Michael on X @MBForex
The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.
Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Products and services available depend on your location and the entity holding your account. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
FOREX.com is a registered FCM and RFED with the CFTC and member of the National Futures Association (NFA # 0339826). Forex trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Full Disclosures and Risk Warning. Increased leverage increases risk.
GAIN Capital Group LLC (dba FOREX.com) 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA. GAIN Capital Group LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc.
© FOREX.COM 2026