The US Dollar Index dropped to 99.4, near a two-month low, weighed down by employment data.

⑴ The US Dollar Index fell by 0.5% to 99.4 on Friday, approaching a two-month low, as US employment data came in weaker than expected, dampening market expectations for a near-term interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve. ⑵ Non-farm payrolls unexpectedly decreased by 23,000 in July, and data for the previous two months was also significantly revised downward, indicating a weakening labor market; the unemployment rate edged down to 4.1%, but the labor force participation rate continued to decline. ⑶ The data intensified market concerns that employment conditions are deteriorating amid persistent price pressures and uncertainty in the Middle East, while also increasing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve may postpone further tightening of policy, leading investors to reduce bets on a rate hike in September.