Analysts: Powell's cautious stance on rate cuts will boost the dollar

The dollar held steady ahead of testimony from Federal Reserve Chairperson Jerome Powell later. Swissquote Bank analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya said in a note that Powell is expected to be cautious about cutting interest rates despite growing pressure from Trump to lower them. U.S. economic growth remains solid, the job market is healthy and inflation remains stable, she said. Trump's stimulus policies and tariff threats could also fuel inflation, she said. Powell's cautious stance on rate cuts could boost the dollar.