The U.S. dollar (USD) has weakened significantly in 2025, hitting a 3½-year low against major global currencies, including the euro (EUR) and the British pound (GBP). The greenback is down nearly 2% in June alone, and has lost over 10% year-to-date (YTD)—raising concerns among investors, forex traders, and financial analysts.
One of the primary drivers of the dollar’s decline is the growing expectation that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in the second half of 2025. As inflation cools and U.S. economic growth slows, markets are pricing in multiple rate cuts before year-end. Lower interest rates tend to reduce demand for the dollar, making it less attractive to investors seeking higher returns.
Adding to the pressure is political volatility. Recent speculation suggests that former President Trump, if re-elected in November, could seek to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell ahead of schedule. This raises concerns over the independence of the Fed, which undermines investor confidence and adds downward momentum to the dollar.
While the dollar struggles, both the euro and pound sterling have gained strength. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE) are taking a more cautious approach to rate cuts, widening the interest rate differential with the U.S. and boosting their respective currencies.
The future of the U.S. dollar will largely depend on the following:
If inflation data confirms the need for policy easing and political uncertainty continues to weigh on investor sentiment, the dollar may remain under pressure for the rest of the year.