US Dollar Index holds gains near 98.50 due to safe-haven demand

• US Dollar Index gains on safe-haven demand as stalled US–Iran peace talks dampen risk sentiment.
• Tehran signaled that it could end hostilities under conditions, but Trump rejected the proposal.
• The Federal Reserve is likely to keep the federal funds target range at 3.50%–3.75% on Wednesday.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, is gaining ground after two days of losses and trading around 98.50 during the Asian hours on Tuesday.

The Greenback receives support from safe-haven demand amid stalled US-Iran peace talks. However, Iran offered to end its closure of the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade on the country and ends the war in a proposal that would postpone discussions on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, per Bloomberg.

US President Donald Trump seems unlikely to accept the offer, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to rule out any deal that excludes Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian sources added that Tehran avoided addressing its nuclear program until hostilities cease and Gulf shipping disputes are resolved.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) is widely expected to hold rates steady at Wednesday’s April meeting, which could be Jerome Powell’s final one as chair. The Fed is likely to maintain the federal funds target range at 3.50%–3.75%, marking a third straight hold. Fed nominee Kevin Warsh has stressed policy independence, even as markets price in a more aggressive rate-cutting path ahead.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the United States (US) will place sanctions on anyone conducting business with sanctioned Iranian airlines as commercial flights resume from Tehran.