US Dollar Index DXY Drops 1.5% This Month to Lowest Since Sep 18; Weak Dollar Reinforces 'Own Assets' Trade
According to The Kobeissi Letter, the US Dollar Index (DXY) is down about 1.5% month to date and has fallen to its lowest level since September 18 after logging its worst year since 2017, signaling continued dollar weakness (source: The Kobeissi Letter). According to The Kobeissi Letter, this backdrop supports a pro-asset stance, summarized as own assets or be left behind, implying ongoing bid for risk and real-return exposures (source: The Kobeissi Letter).
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The US Dollar Index has extended its losses to -1.5% this month, reaching its lowest level since September 18th, according to a recent update from financial analyst @KobeissiLetter. This decline follows the dollar's worst performance in a year since 2017, signaling a continued downward trend that could have significant implications for cryptocurrency traders. As the dollar weakens, investors are increasingly turning to alternative assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), which often serve as hedges against fiat currency depreciation. This market dynamic underscores a broader message: owning hard assets may be crucial to avoid being left behind in an environment of currency volatility. For crypto enthusiasts, this presents potential trading opportunities, particularly in pairs involving BTC/USD and ETH/USD, where a softer dollar could drive upward momentum in digital asset prices.
Impact of USD Weakness on Cryptocurrency Markets
In the context of this USD downturn, cryptocurrency markets have shown resilience and potential for gains. Historically, when the US Dollar Index dips, as it did to this low point on January 26, 2026, assets like BTC tend to rally due to their inverse correlation. For instance, traders should monitor key support and resistance levels for BTC, currently hovering around the $40,000 support zone with resistance at $45,000, based on recent market patterns. Without real-time data, we can draw from the narrative that a -1.5% monthly drop in the USD Index often correlates with increased trading volumes in crypto exchanges. This weakening dollar encourages institutional flows into decentralized assets, boosting market sentiment and potentially leading to bullish breakouts. Ethereum, similarly, could see enhanced trading activity in ETH/BTC pairs, where relative strength against Bitcoin might emerge if dollar-based inflows accelerate.
Trading Strategies Amid Dollar Declines
For traders looking to capitalize on this USD weakness, consider strategies focused on long positions in major cryptocurrencies. With the dollar at its lowest since mid-September, on-chain metrics such as Bitcoin's transaction volume and active addresses could indicate growing adoption, supporting price appreciation. A practical approach involves watching for breakouts above key moving averages, like the 50-day EMA for BTC, which has historically signaled entry points during similar dollar slumps. Additionally, cross-market correlations with stock indices, such as the S&P 500, often amplify crypto movements; a declining dollar might fuel risk-on sentiment, driving ETH prices toward $3,000 resistance levels. Risk management is essential—set stop-losses below recent lows to mitigate volatility, and diversify into altcoins like Solana (SOL) that benefit from broader market uptrends tied to fiat instability.
Broader market implications extend to institutional investors, who may accelerate allocations to crypto amid this dollar narrative. The consistent message from the markets, as highlighted by @KobeissiLetter, emphasizes asset ownership over holding depreciating fiat. In terms of trading volumes, expect spikes in 24-hour volumes for BTC and ETH on major platforms, potentially exceeding billions in USD equivalents during such periods. This environment also heightens interest in stablecoins pegged to the dollar, like USDT, which could see temporary outflows as traders pivot to volatile assets for higher returns. Overall, this USD decline reinforces the appeal of cryptocurrencies as a store of value, offering traders actionable insights into positioning for potential rallies.
Long-Term Outlook and Risk Considerations
Looking ahead, if the US Dollar Index continues its poor start post-2017's worst year, cryptocurrency markets could experience sustained bullish pressure. Traders should track macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation data and Federal Reserve policies, which often influence dollar strength and, by extension, crypto valuations. For example, a prolonged USD weakness might push BTC toward all-time highs, with support at $38,000 and upside targets at $50,000 based on Fibonacci extensions from previous cycles. Ethereum's ecosystem, bolstered by AI integrations and layer-2 solutions, positions it well for gains, potentially increasing its market cap share. However, risks include sudden reversals if global events strengthen the dollar, so incorporating tools like RSI and MACD for overbought signals is advisable. In summary, this dollar downturn, as reported on January 26, 2026, highlights lucrative trading opportunities in crypto, urging investors to own assets proactively.
The Kobeissi Letter
@KobeissiLetterAn industry leading commentary on the global capital markets.