2026.10.1412:42:47UTC+00DXY Hits 15-Month High

The US dollar rose as much as 0.5% to 102.72 on Wednesday, its highest level since April 2025, after fresh inflation data bolstered expectations of further Federal Reserve tightening. Consumer prices climbed 0.6% in September from the previous month, the fastest pace in five months, while annual inflation reached 3.7%. Although the headline figures were broadly in line with forecasts, underlying price pressures proved more persistent than anticipated. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3% on the month and 2.6% on the year, reinforcing concerns that elevated energy costs are sustaining inflation. At the same time, Brent crude extended its gains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and the risk of supply disruptions. Even so, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said she saw no immediate need for another rate increase following last month’s hike, despite inflation remaining above the central bank’s target.