Investing.com - The U.S. dollar edged lower against the other major currencies on Friday, but remained near a 14-year high as the first U.S. interest-rate hike in a year and the prospect of a more-aggressive Federal Reserve in 2017 continued to lend support.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, dipped 0.1% to 102.92 by late Friday, not far from Thursday's peak of 103.55, a level not seen since December 2002.
For the week, the index gained 1.3%. The greenback soared after the Fed hiked interest rates on Wednesday and signaled it expects to raise rates more quickly than previously anticipated in 2017.
The U.S. central bank predicted it would raise interest rates three times in 2017, up from the two hikes predicted in September.
Higher rates boost the dollar by making the currency more attractive to yield-seeking investors.
Against the yen, the dollar fell to 117.94 on Friday, pulling back from Thursday's 11-month peak of 118.65 as a bout of profit-taking kicked in. The pair gained 2.2% on the week.
Meanwhile, the euro bounced off an overnight low of 1.0365, the weakest level since January 2003, to end at 1.0450 by late Friday. On the week, the pair lost 1.1%.
In the week ahead, market players will be eyeing the release of Thursday’s final reading on U.S. third quarter gross domestic product for fresh indications on the strength of the economy and further hints on the future path of monetary policy.
Meanwhile, market participants will be awaiting a monetary policy announcement from the Bank of Japan on Tuesday, with most investors expecting the bank to hold its negative interest rates and 10-year government bond yield target steady.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, December 19
New Zealand is to produce data on private sector business confidence.
In the euro zone, the Ifo Institute is to report on German business climate.
Tuesday, December 20
The Reserve Bank of Australia is to publish the minutes of its latest monetary policy meeting, giving investors insight into how officials view the economy and their policy options.
The Bank of Japan is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its rate statement, which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the monetary policy decision. The announcement is to be followed by a press conference.
Canada is to publish a report on wholesales.
Wednesday, December 21
New Zealand is to release data on the trade balance.
The U.K. is to publish data on public sector borrowing.
The U.S. is to release data on existing home sales.
Thursday, December 22
New Zealand is to publish data on third quarter growth and current account figures.
The U.S. is to produce data on third quarter economic growth, initial jobless claims, durable goods orders and personal spending.
Canada is to release data on retail sales and inflation.
Friday, December 23
Financial markets in Japan will be closed for a national holiday.
The U.K. is to report on the current account and publish revised data on third quarter growth.
Canada is to publish data on economic growth.
The U.S. is to round up the week with data on new home sales and consumer sentiment.