USD falters amid US tariff pause and European defence splurge
USD volatility amid tariff U-turns and European hopes.
Group Research - Econs, Chang Wei Liang7 Mar 2025
Article image
Photo credit: Unsplash/Adobe Stock Photo
Read More

The USD has fallen against all G10 currencies this week, as Trump made a U-turn to exempt Canada and Mexico goods covered by the USMCA trade agreement from his 25% tariffs until 2 April. This tariff outcome is not as bad as feared, and once again reflects Trump’s inconsistency over his messaging and application of tariffs. The DXY index is now back at 104 and has given back all its gains following Trump’s election win. 

EUR/USD also surged above 1.07, helped first by rising Bund yields and then ECB signalling less certainty on rate cuts, stating that monetary policy is becoming meaningfully less restrictive. EU leaders holding emergency talks in Brussels have also agreed on a massive increase to defence spending, which should support EUR optimism. EC President von der Leyen presented a EUR800bn ReArm Europe plan, funded by activating an escape clause for the Stability and Growth pact and new loans for defence investment. Germany’s Chancellor-in-waiting Merz has already proposed exempting defence spending of more than 1% of GDP from the constitutional debt limit earlier this week. S&P Global says that Germany’s defence spending plans are a credit-positive, and that its AAA rating is safe.

USD/CNH has eased below 7.25 even after US tariffs on Chinese goods were raised this week, and China retaliating with 10%-15% additional tariffs on US agricultural products. At China’s press conference for the Two Sessions yesterday, PBOC Governor Pan emphasized the need to keep the RMB stable, and that China’s FX market is resilient. He also said that PBOC will cut interest rates and the RRR at an appropriate time. Governor Pan also said that a tech-focussed board in onshore bond markets will be launched, and that more bond issuances and relending tools will be used to help China’s tech development.

Chang Wei Liang

FX & Credit Strategist
[email protected]



Subscribe here to receive our economics & macro strategy materials.
To unsubscribe, please click here.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates)

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates)

The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation.  Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies.  The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.  The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.

[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability.  11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

Virtual currencies are highly speculative digital "virtual commodities", and are not currencies. It is not a financial product approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, and the safeguards of the existing investor protection regime does not apply.  The prices of virtual currencies may fluctuate greatly, and the investment risk is high. Before engaging in such transactions, the investor should carefully assess the risks, and seek its own independent advice.