미국 달러 지수(DXY)로 추적되는 달러는 새해를 점진적이면서도 엇갈리는 상승으로 시작했으며, 5월에는 106.50 지역에서 일시적인 저항에 부딪혔습니다. 그러나 그 후 모멘텀을 잃어 9월 말에는 심리적 기준인 100.00을 향해 상당한 하락세를 보였습니다.
그렇다면 당시 미국 달러(USD)가 더 깊은 물속으로 빠지는 것을 막은 것은 무엇이었을까? 무엇이 바뀌었을까? 답은 "무엇"이 아니라 "누구"이다.
소위 "트럼프 트레이드"에 참여하면 투자자들이 호텔 재벌 출신이 11월 5일 선거에서 민주당 후보 카말라 해리스를 물리치고 백악관을 탈환하고 제47대 미국 대통령이 될 수 있는 실질적인 기회가 있을 것이라는 기대감을 갖게 되면서 추진력이 붙었습니다.
그리고 그것은 시작되었습니다.
“그린 스윕”
10월에 그린백은 상당한 랠리를 일으켰고, 11월 초 미국 대선을 전후로 잠시 멈췄습니다. 선거 결과와 "레드 스윕"의 가능성이 커지면서 미국 달러 지수 (DXY)는 상승세를 재개하여 2022년 11월 이후 처음으로 108.00 장벽을 넘어섰습니다.
지수의 이러한 상승 움직임은 주요 10년 국채 수익률에도 반영되어 11월 중순까지 4.50%대(몇 달 만에 최고치)까지 급등한 후, 교정적 하락을 촉발했습니다.
미국 경제는 "매우 좋은 상태"
하지만 초점은 도널드 트럼프에만 있지 않습니다. 2024년 미국 달러의 주목할 만한 강세는 미국 경제의 회복력에 의해 뒷받침되었는데, 특히 글로벌 경쟁국과 비교했을 때 그렇습니다.
최근 몇 달 동안 미국 노동 시장은 냉각의 조짐을 보였지만, 이 중요한 부문의 주요 지표는 여전히 강력합니다. 사실, 노동 시장 상황의 완화는 지속 가능하지도 설득력도 없어 보입니다. 이는 연방준비제도(Fed) 의장 제롬 파월이 노동 시장의 상당한 악화는 환영받지 못할 것이라는 입장과 일치합니다.
인플레이션과 관련해 소비자 물가에 대한 상향 압력은 지속적으로 높고, 연준의 2.0% 목표보다 높습니다. 많은 연준 정책 입안자들이 추가 금리 인하에 대한 지지를 표명했지만, 다른 사람들은 소비자 물가 지수(CPI)와 개인 소비 지출(PCE) 가격 지수의 완고함에 대해 여전히 조심스러워합니다.
도널드 트럼프의 승리 이후 관세 시행에 대한 그의 잘 알려진 지지로 인해 각별한 주의가 다시 나타났습니다. 지금까지 그는 중국과 유럽 연합의 수입품에 관세를 부과할 가능성을 시사했으며, 캐나다와 멕시코가 그 다음이 될 가능성이 있습니다.
관세의 즉각적인 효과는 수입업체와 소비자의 비용 상승으로 인한 인플레이션 증가입니다. 이는 보복 조치로 이어져 잠재적으로 본격적인 무역 전쟁으로 확대되고 세계 무역 긴장이 고조될 수 있습니다. 이러한 시나리오는 연방준비제도가 현재의 완화 주기를 일시 중단하거나 중단시키거나 심지어 금리를 인상하는 것을 고려하게 만들 수 있습니다. 이러한 모든 요인은 미래에 미국 달러가 더 강세를 보일 가능성이 높습니다.
In terms of economic growth, the US economy has been significantly outperforming its G10 counterparts. For now, there appears to be little indication that this trend will reverse in the near-to-medium terms. However, it remains uncertain whether the economic consequences of Trump’s tariff policies could meaningfully dent US GDP growth.
Let the Trump 2.0 show begin
The so-called “Trump trade” has been a driving force behind the pronounced rally in the US Dollar since early October, fuelled by a shift in US investor sentiment towards a potential Donald Trump victory in the November 5 election.
A glimpse into what a Trump 2.0 administration might look like reveals that, in terms of economic policy, Trump emphasises corporate deregulation, a more lenient approach to fiscal policy, and a focus on promoting domestic manufacturing. He also advocates for tariffs to protect American industries and reduce reliance on imports.
Strict immigration enforcement remains central to Trump’s agenda, including increased border security, tighter asylum policies... and the possible completion of the southern border wall?
In foreign policy, Trump prioritises US self-interest, supporting reduced US military involvement overseas, pressuring NATO allies to increase defence spending, and confronting China both economically and diplomatically.
On energy and environmental policy, Trump promotes energy independence by expanding fossil fuel production, rolling back environmental regulations, and withdrawing from international climate agreements.
Trump, the Fed, and Chair Powell
Monetary policy is another area likely to draw attention, particularly the dynamic between Trump and Fed Chair Powell. During his first term, Trump frequently criticised Powell, accusing him of being too slow to cut interest rates. Recently, Trump has floated the idea that the president should have influence over interest rate decisions—a role traditionally reserved for the independent Federal Reserve. How this tension plays out could have significant implications for economic policy and the Fed’s independence.
Earlier this month, Powell addressed concerns about his role being undermined by the incoming administration. Speaking at a New York Times event, he dismissed the notion of a "shadow Fed chair" and expressed confidence in building a strong relationship with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who recently said that Powell should serve the remainder of his term.
Against the backdrop of a resilient US economy, some gradual (debatable?) easing in the labour market, and persistent inflationary pressures, Powell suggested that the Fed is in no hurry to further reduce its Federal Funds Target Rate (FFTR). He also highlighted the importance of a cautious approach in determining the neutral rate.
Powell’s stance aligns with that of FOMC Governor Michelle Bowman, who recently argued that inflation remains a significant risk to the economy. She also noted that the labour market's continued strength, nearing full employment, raises concerns about price stability. Bowman advocated for a gradual and measured approach to reducing the policy rate as long as inflation remains elevated.
The above was reinforced at the final FOMC meeting of the year. On December 18, the central bank aligned with broad expectations and lowered its Fed Funds Target Range by 25 basis points to 4.25%-4.50%. However, it signalled a more cautious pace of easing for the next year, with the majority of officials expressing concerns that inflation could reignite.
Regarding the so-called “dot plot,” the updated version provided insight into central bankers' economic expectations. It revealed plans for two small interest rate cuts next year, as inflationary pressures remain persistent. This measured approach suggests the Fed is in no hurry to act in January, when Trump begins his second term in the White House.
The new projections hint at a more cautious stance following the Fed’s third consecutive rate cut in December. Policymakers expect the benchmark lending rate to end in 2025 in the 3.75%-4.00% range. By late 2026, they anticipate rates will ease further, reaching about 3.4%. Even at that level, borrowing costs would remain above their revised estimate of the “neutral” rate—now set at 3%—the level where the economy neither overheats nor slows.
The message? The Fed is treading carefully, trying to control inflation without overcorrecting in an uncertain economic environment.
US economic exceptionalism to extend into 2025
What about updated projections for economic activity and inflation? Fed officials expect the domestic economy to grow faster than previously forecast, with growth pegged at 2.5% this year and 2.1% in 2025. These figures represent an upgrade from September’s projections, which predicted 2% growth for both years.
Unemployment, currently at 4.2%, is expected to remain steady through this quarter before rising slightly to 4.3% by late 2025. This marks an improvement from earlier projections, which had forecast a rate of 4.4% for both periods.
Inflation, however, remains stubborn. Core inflation, a key measure that excludes volatile food and energy prices, is now projected to stay elevated for longer than previously expected. It is forecast to hit 2.8% this year before gradually easing to 2.5% by the end of 2025. These figures are higher than September’s projections, which anticipated core inflation at 2.6% this year and 2.2% next year.
The updated outlook highlights the ongoing challenges of managing economic growth alongside inflation control, as price pressures persist despite a cooling labour market.
In his final press conference of 2024, Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that policymakers are focused on bringing inflation closer to their 2% target before considering further rate cuts. He acknowledged that inflation has exceeded year-end expectations, underscoring the need for continued progress toward price stability.
Powell also remarked that the labour market is softening, but in a gradual and orderly manner. He described the current economic conditions as relatively balanced between the Fed’s dual mandates of low inflation and full employment.
When asked about the possibility of raising interest rates instead of cutting them, Powell did not entirely rule out the idea but said it was unlikely. "You don't rule things completely in or out in this world. That doesn't appear to be a likely outcome," he commented.
On the topic of the incoming Trump administration, Powell emphasised it was too early to predict how President-elect Trump’s economic policies might impact the economy or the Fed’s decisions. He noted the significant uncertainty surrounding these plans, saying, "It’s very premature to make any kind of conclusion. We don’t know what will be tariffed, from what countries, for how long, in what size."
Powell urged patience, adding, "We need to take our time, not rush," as the central bank waits for clearer signals on the new administration’s policies. While there is growing speculation that Trump’s preferences for tariffs and stricter immigration policies could drive inflation higher, Powell made it clear that the Fed will wait for concrete developments before adjusting its approach.
US Dollar Index Technical Analysis: Bullish outlook prevails
The yearly high above the 108.00 barrier, recorded soon after the Fed’s hawkish cut on December 18, was confirmed by the daily RSI, which initially flirted with the overbought region, leaving some room for a potential near-term corrective move.
At the upper end of the range, the continuation of a bullish bias is likely to face immediate resistance at the 2024 high of 108.26. Beyond this level, resistance aligns with the November 2022 peak of 113.14, reached on November 3, followed by the October 2022 top of 113.94, marked on October 21, and the 2022 peak of 114.77, registered on September 28.
If sellers regain control, initial support lies at the December low of 105.42, clocked on December 6. A break below this level could pave the way for a test of the provisional 55-day SMA at 105.22, situated above the more critical 200-day SMA at 104.24.
A deeper pullback might revisit the November low of 103.37 (November 5), further reinforced by the nearby 100-day SMA. South of this area, the 200-week SMA at 101.40 provides additional support, followed by the 2024 bottom of 100.15, achieved on September 27.
현재로서는 지수가 주요 200일 SMA 위에 있는 한 추가 상승 가능성이 여전히 있습니다. 강세 전망은 지수가 Ichimoku 구름 위에서 거래되고 RSI가 70 근처에서 상승 추세를 보임으로써 뒷받침됩니다. 또한, 약 35의 평균 방향 지수(ADX)는 현재 추세의 적당한 강도를 나타냅니다.
결론
2025년은 미국 달러가 긍정적인 해가 될 것으로 보인다.
지정학적 측면에서 러시아-우크라이나 전쟁이나 이스라엘-이란-레바논 갈등의 명확한 종식은 보이지 않으며, 시리아의 불안정한 상황은 중동의 불확실성을 계속 부추기고 있습니다. 이처럼 지속적으로 복잡한 상황은 안전 자산에 대한 수요를 유지할 가능성이 높으며, 이는 그린백에 대한 지원을 제공할 것입니다.
게다가 많은 시장 참여자들이 예상하듯이 트럼프 2.0 시나리오가 실현된다면 상당한 관세가 다시 부과될 가능성이 높으며, 잠재적으로 보복 조치를 촉발하고 세계 무역 긴장을 다시 불러일으킬 수 있습니다. 인플레이션 압력이 증가하면 Fed가 조치를 취해야 할 수 있으며, 잠재적으로 현재 진행 중인 금리 인하 주기를 중단하거나 심지어 금리 인상 프로그램을 시작할 수도 있습니다. 이는 미국 수익률을 높이고 미국 달러를 더욱 강화할 가능성이 높습니다.
미국 경제의 회복력과 글로벌 경제의 어려움 사이의 극명한 대조는 내년에 해외의 통화 완화 주기를 심화시킬 것으로 예상되며, 미국에서는 금리 인하가 제한적이거나 전혀 없는 것과 비교됩니다. 이러한 차이는 경쟁 통화의 추가적 평가절하를 뒷받침하며, 2025년까지 그린백에 대한 건설적인 전망을 강화합니다.