US Dollar Forecast: Bullish Target Hit, Can the Dollar Push to 98 or Break Below 97?

Jasper Osita - Market Analyst

2025-07-08 13:36:08

The US Dollar rally has played out, with the DXY rejecting from the Fair Value Gap supply and showing early signs of distribution.
Macro headwinds - tariffs, debt risk, and de-dollarization - are back in focus, pressuring global confidence in the greenback.
If DXY loses the 97.00 level, it may decelerate toward 95.50-96.00; only a strong catalyst can defend a bullish continuation.

Macro Narrative: Dollar’s Moment of Truth

Previous Forecast: **US Dollar Forecast: Bullish and Bearish Scenario Amid Fed Cut Bets and Trade War Tension** & **Weekly Market Breakdown: EUR/USD, Gold, Nasdaq, Bitcoin & More**

The U.S. dollar’s bullish scenario, forecasted in our previous reports has now fully materialized. The U.S. dollar bounced off between 96.8-97.0 levels, tapping into a 4-Hour Bullish Fair Value Gap.

But now that bullish impulse is showing signs of exhaustion.

As shown in the chart below:

The rally reached into a 97.6 level, tapped the resistance, and is now printing early signs of distribution with weaker candles betwee 97.50-97.30.

Key Macro Drivers

1. Tariff Tensions Back On Radar

The U.S. is set to reintroduce tariffs by August 1, with targets including Japan, Korea, and BRICS allies.

→ Impact: Adds risk premium to global assets, but the dollar has not responded with its usual haven strength—a sign of weakening global faith in its status.

2. Central Banks De-risking From USD

UBS reports that 47% of central banks now foresee possible U.S. debt restructuring, while gold reserves are increasing, and USD allocation is falling.

→ Impact: Weakens structural demand for the dollar over time.

3. Fed Credibility & Policy Divergence

With Fed rate cuts expected later in the year, while other regions (e.g., ECB, RBA) hold firm, the interest rate narrative is no longer supporting USD strength.

→ Impact: Reduces carry the advantage of the dollar, especially against EUR and AUD.

4. China Monitors Dollar Risk

The PBOC reportedly queried institutions about dollar weakness, indicating Beijing may begin reducing USD exposure.

→ Impact: Fuels the broader de-dollarization movement in Asia.

Technical Outlook

While the U.S. dollar gained momentum since July 1, the overall structure remains bearish, with macro headwinds - including trade risks, reserve diversification, and fiscal concerns - still weighing heavily on the greenback and limiting the sustainability of any rebound.

After completing the projected bullish move toward 97.70, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is now retracing into a 4H Fair Value Gap (FVG) resting between 97.30–97.10 - a key inflection zone that will likely determine whether the dollar resumes its push toward 98.20 or begins a deeper reversal targeting 96.37.

Bullish Scenario: FVG Bounce + 97.70 Breakout Toward 98.201

If the 4H Fair Value Gap (around 97.10–97.30) holds as support and price forms a higher low, we may see a continuation of the bullish structure and a second leg upward.

Healthy retracement into demand after recent impulse leg
Bullish reaction off FVG + strong engulfing candle or higher low formation
Delayed tariffs, Fed pushback on rate cuts, or a shift back to risk-off sentiment

Target: 98.201 - unfilled inefficiency + prior liquidity level

Bearish Scenario: FVG + 96.80 Breakdown to 96.377

If the FVG fails to hold and price breaks back below 97.00, the structure would lean bearish, suggesting distribution at premium pricing and opening the door for deeper downside.

Breakdown from FVG followed by lower high confirms seller strength
Weak bounce or rejection near 97.20–97.40, followed by bearish engulfing setup
Risk-on flows, de-dollarization pressure, or bearish Fed outlook

Target: 96.377 — 2025 All-Time Low and Key Low

Impact on Major Forex Pairs

With the dollar’s bullish scenario fully played out and macro risks regaining dominance, such as trade tensions, central bank reserve shifts, and a softening Fed narrative, the bias now shifts back to USD weakness unless the FVG holds and momentum resumes.

If DXY holds above the 97.10–97.30 zone and pushes toward 98.20, temporary USD strength may cap gains in the majors. But if the 97.00 level fails, the downside could accelerate across the board, fueling major FX breakouts.

Check Out My Contents:

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.

Author

Jasper has been in the markets since 2019 trading currencies, indices and commodities like Gold. His approach in the market is heavily accompanied by technical analysis and of course, supported by fundamentals. He has a background in trading proprietary firms and has been teaching students how to navigate themselves in the markets from basic to advance concepts.

Try These Next

4 Powerful Tactics to Overcome the Most Costly Forex Mistakes

How to Master MT4 & MT5 - Tips and Tricks for Traders

The Importance of Fundamental Analysis in Forex Trading

Forex Leverage Explained: Mastering Forex Leverage in Trading & Controlling Margin

The Importance of Liquidity in Forex: A Beginner's Guide

Close All Metatrader Script: Maximise Your Trading Efficiency and Reduce Stress

Best Currency Pairs To Trade in 2025

Forex Trading Hours: Finding the Best Times to Trade FX

MetaTrader Expert Advisor - The Benefits of Algorithmic Trading and Forex EAs

Top 5 Candlestick Trading Formations Every Trader Must Know

Prices are indicative only

US Dollar Forecast: Bullish Target Hit, Can the Dollar Push to 98 or Break Below 97?

Macro Narrative: Dollar’s Moment of Truth

Key Macro Drivers

1. Tariff Tensions Back On Radar

2. Central Banks De-risking From USD

3. Fed Credibility & Policy Divergence

4. China Monitors Dollar Risk

Technical Outlook

Bullish Scenario: FVG Bounce + 97.70 Breakout Toward 98.201

Bearish Scenario: FVG + 96.80 Breakdown to 96.377

Impact on Major Forex Pairs

Check Out My Contents:

Strategies That You Can Use

How To Trade News

Learn How to Trade US Indices

How to Start Trading Gold

How to Trade Japanese Candlesticks

How to Start Day Trading

Learn how to navigate yourself in times of turmoil

Want to learn how to trade like the Smart Money?

Trading Psychology and Continuous Improvement Contents