Press Releases

DOLLAR DOWN FOR THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH IN MAY

In May the average monthly value for the trade-weighted dollar index of 15 major currencies tracked by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta fell 1.5 percent, its third consecutive monthly decline. Decreases were registered on all subindexes except the Americas subindex, which was up 0.1 percent from April. The European subindex registered the largest drop at 2.9 percent while the Pacific subindex registered a 2.2 percent decrease. The Pacific-excluding-Japan measure decreased 1.4 percent for the month. The classic subindex, which is the analogue of the original Atlanta index, was down 2.4 percent in May. The overall index in May was 0.2 percent higher than its year-ago level. On a daily basis, the overall index’s level at the end of May was 1.8 percent below its reading at the end of April and was 1.3 percent below its level at the end of May 2001.

The Atlanta Fed index is based on 1995–97 bilateral trade weights for 15 currencies. The European subindex includes the European Monetary Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The Pacific subindex includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. The Americas subindex includes Brazil, Canada and Mexico. The overall dollar index includes the Saudi Arabian riyal along with the foregoing 14 currencies. The classic subindex includes the European Monetary Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Canada. All figures are indexes and not actual exchange rates. A rise in the index or subindex reflects a strengthening of the dollar against currencies included.

Atlanta Fed Dollar Indexes Table: History