US Dollar Sinks to Lowest Level Since 2022 as Fed Independence Faces Doubts

The US Dollar Index (DXY) has tumbled to its lowest point since February 2022, registering at 97.48 as of the latest trading session. This newly set low underscores a significant year-to-date drop of 10.1%, highlighting a pronounced weakening of the dollar against a basket of six leading currencies.

Over the course of 2025, the DXY has followed a clear downward trend, signaling retreating investor confidence in the greenback. Analysts attribute the ongoing decline to a mix of shifting monetary policies, evolving global economic indicators, and mounting geopolitical uncertainties.

The fresh trough in the Dollar Index points to deepening concerns over the currency’s strength on the international stage. A confluence of factors—including fluctuating interest rates, shifting inflation expectations, and broader global economic headwinds—appears to be undermining the dollar’s appeal for investors and traders alike.

Adding to the uncertainty is growing skepticism about the future autonomy of the US Federal Reserve. Market participants are wary that political pressures could compromise the central bank’s credibility. According to The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has reportedly considered announcing a replacement for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell by as early as September or October, in an apparent move to weaken Powell’s authority.

Concerns about potential interference have amplified anxieties regarding the Fed’s independence. Trump, in recent remarks on Wednesday, described Powell as “terrible” for his reluctance to aggressively cut interest rates. This criticism comes as Powell cautioned members of the Senate about the need for prudent monetary policy, citing the president’s tariff initiatives as a contributing risk to inflation.

The mix of a sliding dollar and rising doubts over the Fed’s impartiality is weighing heavily on investor sentiment, shaping both currency markets and broader economic forecasts for the year ahead.