Press Releases

DOLLAR GAINS AGAIN IN OCTOBER

In October the average monthly value for the trade-weighted dollar index of 15 major currencies tracked by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta rose 0.8 percent, its third consecutive monthly gain. Increases were registered on all subindexes except the European measure, which declined 0.1 percent. The Pacific subindex registered the largest increase, up 1.4 percent. The classic subindex, which is the analogue of the original Atlanta index, gained 0.6 percent in October. The overall index in October was 0.3 percent below its year-ago level. On a daily basis, the overall index’s level at the end of October was down 0.5 percent from its reading at the end of September and was down 1.3 percent from its level at the end of October 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