US Dollar Index hovers around 99.00 after paring latest gains

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, is remaining in the positive territory after paring daily gains and trading around 99.00 during the Asian hours on Monday.

However, the Greenback gained ground on increased safe-haven demand following the failure of the United States (US)-Iran peace talks. US Vice President JD Vance confirmed the US–Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a deal following 21 hours of negotiations.

US President Donald Trump said Washington would begin blockading all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, while US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed operations targeting maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports from 10 AM ET (14:00 GMT) Monday.

Moreover, the US Dollar receives support as the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) March data reinforced the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) higher-for-longer stance. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Friday that annual CPI rose to 3.3% in March from 2.4% in February, matching expectations. On a monthly basis, CPI increased 0.9% after 0.3% previously. Meanwhile, core CPI rose 0.2% month-over-month and 2.6% year-over-year.

San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly told Reuters that if inflation remains elevated, the Fed will hold rates steady until price stability is achieved. However, Daly added that a rate cut is possible if the Iran conflict eases quickly and oil prices decline.