U.S. Dollar Holds Firm as Markets Pause Over Easter and Geopolitical Tensions Rise

The U.S. dollar showed relative resilience on Friday, buoyed by solid payroll data and a lull in trading caused by the Easter holiday.

Dollar Index Near 100

The DXY index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, hovered around the 100‑point mark in early European trading. Analysts noted that the index’s strength reflects optimism from the March non‑farm payrolls, even as investors keep a wary eye on the unfolding conflict in Iran.

USD/CHF Stays Close to 0.8000

In the Asian session the USD/CHF pair traded near 0.7980, barely moving after posting a 0.5% gain the day before. Thin volumes tied to the Good Friday holiday limited price swings, leaving the pair largely unchanged.

USD/CAD Extends Gains

The dollar also outperformed the Canadian loonie, trading around 1.3925, near its annual high. Risk‑off sentiment stemming from Middle‑East tensions continues to support the greenback against commodity‑linked currencies.

Geopolitical Echoes

President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could easily reopen the Strait of Hormuz added another layer of uncertainty, nudging oil prices higher and indirectly reinforcing the dollar’s appeal as a safe‑haven asset.

Overall, the dollar’s modest upside reflects a mix of strong domestic labor figures, reduced market liquidity over the holiday, and persistent geopolitical risk.