From AAA to AA+: What This Downgrade Means for Gold and the Dollar

The U.S. dollar remained flat Thursday as investors await Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech on Friday for policy direction. Markets are pricing in a 79% chance of a September rate cut, down slightly from earlier expectations. President Trump’s renewed attacks on the Fed, including calling for Governor Lisa Cook’s resignation, have raised concerns about central bank independence. The dollar index held steady at 98.337, while major currencies showed little movement despite the U.S.-EU trade deal confirmation with 15% tariffs on most European imports.

Gold futures declined 0.2% to $3,380.90 per troy ounce on Thursday morning, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar that makes gold more expensive for international buyers. Despite the dip, gold maintained most of its gains from the previous session when it benefited from safe-haven buying during a tech stock selloff. Trading remains thin and prices are expected to stay rangebound until Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s crucial speech on Friday, which investors will analyze for clues about future monetary policy easing.