**Citi Downgrades U.S. Dollar Outlook: What Forex Traders Need to Know**
In a noteworthy shift, Citi has revised its stance on the U.S. dollar, transitioning from a bullish outlook to a neutral position. This change is particularly significant for forex traders who monitor currency movements closely.
Citi’s analysts are expecting a pullback in the USD, which is reflective of the bank’s assessment that the dollar is currently overvalued due to what they describe as a “tariff premium.” This overvaluation, as indicated by Citi’s recently adjusted Dollar Index (DXY) fair value model, shows a minor residual overvaluation of only +0.1%, which is substantially lower than a prior reading of +3.4%.
This adjustment coincides with a broader weakening of the U.S. dollar, particularly against European currencies, pointing towards a reduction in the perceived risks associated with tariffs. Notably, the tariff risk premium has decreased significantly, by around 60%, since election night. Despite recent discussions regarding new tariffs on Colombia and potential ones on Canada and Mexico by February 1, the market seems to be discounting these moves as mere bargaining points rather than serious threats.
For traders focused on the USD/CAD exchange rate, it’s worth noting that the pair has remained relatively stable, oscillating between the 1.43 and 1.45 range. Citi suggests that if this rate surpasses the 1.45 mark, it may climb to 1.47. However, skepticism surrounds the implementation of any substantial tariffs, such as the proposed 25%, with many analysts viewing these tariff threats as tactical maneuvers aimed at advancing negotiations—particularly around key issues like immigration and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The central takeaway for forex traders is this: should February 1 pass without the introduction of new tariffs, the dollar may undergo another dip, possibly marking the final downturn before establishing a stable higher trading range. As market dynamics continue to evolve, staying informed on these developments will be crucial for making strategic trading decisions in the coming weeks.
As the forex market sees these shifts, traders should watch closely for more insights from financial institutions like Citi, which provide valuable context and analysis for navigating currency fluctuations.
Products
Pricing that fits your trading needs
Choose from our challenges below:
Additional A.I Tools are included on all $50K, $100K and $200K challenges