Dollar Weakens as Falling Yields Lift Markets (08.20.2026)
Global markets responded to
falling U.S. Treasury yields after expanded government bond buybacks eased long-term borrowing costs and pressured the dollar.
Treasury Secretary Bessent will double buybacks of 10-, 20-, and 30-year Treasuries starting September 9, after the 30-year yield reached a 19-year high. Analysts say the move could complicate Warsh’s job by countering yield increases that help tighten financial conditions, potentially requiring more aggressive Fed hikes.
The Dollar Index held near a three-month low of 98.8 after the Treasury moved to contain long-term borrowing costs by at least doubling buybacks of 10-to-30-year debt. July Fed minutes showed some officials favored a hike this year, while the US-Iran stalemate kept inflation concerns alive.
Asian stocks rebounded as global yields pulled back from multi-year highs following the Treasury announcement. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 6% as chipmakers recovered, while Japan’s Nikkei gained 1% and its 10-year yield retreated from a 30-year high.
US stock futures edged higher after the Dow gained 0.22%, S&P 500 0.21%, and Nasdaq 0.16% Wednesday, ending the Nasdaq’s three-session decline. Lower Treasury yields supported the rebound, with Walmart earnings and jobless claims next on the calendar.
Economic Calendar
EUR/USD Holds Near 1.1677
EUR/USD traded around 1.1677 on Thursday, driven by diverging monetary policy paths between central banks. While sticky inflation continues to back the dollar, Europe's fragile economic recovery limits the ECB's maneuvering room.
Expanded US Treasury bond buybacks added market liquidity without lifting the dollar, whereas surging European natural gas prices linked to Middle East supply disruptions sustain inflation risks, strengthening cases for further ECB rate hikes.
The first resistance is positioned at 1.1700 while the support starts from 1.1640.
Gold Holds Near $4,500
Gold stabilized near $4,500 per ounce on Thursday following a sharp 4% rally. The advance was fueled by falling Treasury yields after the US government doubled debt buybacks to temper long-term borrowing costs.
While lower yields provided support, recent Federal Reserve minutes revealed some officials favored raising interest rates, leaving investors focused on persistent inflation risks stemming from Middle East tensions.
First resistance is seen at $4530, with initial support near $4440.
Yen Trades Near 158
The Japanese yen hovered around 158 per dollar on Thursday, consolidating after a 1% gain driven by sliding US Treasury yields and an expanded American bond buyback initiative.
Despite the temporary relief, persistent yield gaps, fiscal strain, and high import costs continue to weigh on the yen, highlighted by Japan's widening July trade deficit caused by record crude oil purchases.
First resistance is seen at 159.50, with initial support near 157.20.
GBP/USD Nears Key Resistance
GBP/USD hovered around 1.3611 on Thursday, extending a four-week rally near multi-month highs. While a July inflation rise to 2.9% provided underlying support, a softening labor market tempered sentiment.
The primary bullish driver remains a weakening dollar, which fell to a three-month low as the US Treasury expanded bond buybacks, dragging yields lower.
From a technical view, resistance stands near 1.3640, with support around 1.3590.
Silver Holds Near $67
Silver stabilized near $67 per ounce on Thursday following a 6% surge, supported by dropping Treasury yields after the US government expanded debt buybacks to restrain borrowing costs.
Reduced yields helped lower the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding metals. However, persistent US-Iran tensions and Federal Reserve minutes hinting that some officials favor rate hikes kept inflation risks in focus.
From a technical view, resistance stands near $67.50, while support is located around $63.80.
Brent Crude Oil
Brent held near $92/barrel, up more than 3% this week, as the US-Iran impasse and Strait of Hormuz tensions supported prices.
Trump said oil was still flowing and indicated openness to restarting talks. The UAE suspended financial ties with Iran after accusing it of ballistic missile attacks, adding economic pressure, while Gulf producers used alternative routes for crude shipments.
US EIA data showed crude inventories rose 4.4 million barrels last week, while distillate stocks fell to a one-month low.
Resistance is seen at 92.50, while the nearest support stands at 90.00.
Nasdaq 100
The Nasdaq-100 traded near 29,525, with futures moving higher as lower Treasury yields and a weaker dollar improved the backdrop following the Treasury’s expanded bond buyback plan.
However, high 30-year yields, inflation concerns, and Middle East-driven oil prices still pose challenges.
Semiconductor and AI stocks remain a key source of weakness after heavy selling during the recent tech pullback.
Resistance stands at 29,850, while the nearest support is located at 29,200.
Chinese Yuan (USD/CNH)
USD/CNH traded near 6.725, close to multi-year lows as the yuan strengthened against the dollar.
The PBOC set a slightly stronger daily fixing, suggesting it is comfortable with further yuan gains while controlling the pace.
Dollar weakness and resilient yuan performance kept the pair tilted lower, although proximity to key support levels reduced room for further short positioning.
Resistance stands at 6.7400 while the nearest support is located at 6.7150.
Bitcoin (BTC/USD)
Bitcoin pushed toward $68,900, supported by factors extending beyond short-term price action.
Persistent ETF inflows are reducing OTC desk supply, shifting more price discovery toward public order books. Bitcoin is also drawing demand as a hedge against fiat depreciation and sovereign debt risk.
On-chain indicators, including illiquid supply, exchange outflows, and stablecoin ratios, point to accumulation rather than purely speculative momentum.
First resistance is seen at 70,000, with initial support near 66.700.