Dollar sells-off following first US price drop in six years

In light of lower energy commodity prices, many anticipated a June decline in US inflation. Its magnitude has significantly surprised the markets, however. On a monthly basis, prices fell for the first time since the COVID year of 2020, dropping by as much as 0.4%. Perhaps even more importantly, core inflation (2.6%), a measure that excludes the most volatile energy and food prices, came in far lower than expected.

Figure 1: US CPI Inflation (2005 - 2026)

Source: XTB Research, 14.07.2026

What does the data reveal?

Had the drop in inflation relied solely on lower fuel prices at petrol stations (down 9.7% compared to May) and continued modest growth in food prices (up by only 0.2% month-on-month), the reading could have been dismissed. In such a volatile geopolitical environment, both of these components can significantly distort the perception of real inflationary pressure.

The point, however, is that even after excluding the most volatile elements, prices in June did not rise (core measure: 0.0% m/m). Furthermore, in many sectors such as healthcare, apparel, and the secondary car market, price decreases were observed.

Figure 2: US CPI Inflation by Segment Contribution [y/y] (2018 - 2026)

Source: XTB Research, 14.07.2026

Market less convinced regarding US rate hikes

Such a major surprise naturally brought about a repricing of the Fed's interest rate path as valued by the markets. Due to the recent escalation of tensions between the USA and Iran, investors at the beginning of the week began pricing in two hikes by the FOMC before the end of the year. Currently, the base scenario has returned to a single move upwards. The probability of a hike as early as September has fallen to approximately 66%.

Dollar down, Nasdaq up

This is the key factor driving the weakness of the dollar. The EURUSD pair strengthened by 0.6% and returned to the level seen at the end of last week (1.145).

Expectations of a less aggressive tightening of monetary policy by the Fed naturally also support the US stock market. The Nasdaq 100 index is gaining 0.9%.

High volatility does not end here?

Kevin Warsh's first report to the US Congress lies ahead of us. Today at 3:00 PM, the FOMC Chairman will answer questions from the House of Representatives. Tomorrow at the same time, he will appear before the Senate. Historically, the first day of hearings has carried the greatest market volatility.

We can expect Warsh to be asked about his plan to bring inflation back to target. He will most likely also have to explain the abandonment of forward guidance. However, the crucial question may be how his approach to the economy and monetary policy differs from that presented by Trump. This is particularly significant in the face of ongoing concerns regarding the loss of independence by the Federal Reserve.

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Michał Jóźwiak, Financial Markets Analyst, XTB