EUR/USD and US Dollar Index History: Charts and Monthly Data

Two ways to measure the dollar

EUR/USD is a single exchange rate: how many US dollars one euro buys. When EUR/USD falls, the dollar is getting stronger against the euro. It is the most traded currency pair in the world.

The nominal broad dollar index from the Federal Reserve measures the dollar against the currencies of a wide group of US trading partners, weighted by trade. It was set to 100 in January 2006. It is broader than the better-known ICE "DXY" index, which uses six currencies and gives the euro the largest weight. Because the euro dominates DXY, DXY and EUR/USD usually move almost as mirror images.

Why the dollar moves

• Interest-rate differences. Higher US rates relative to other countries tend to attract capital into dollar assets. Compare with our fed funds and 10-year yield chart.
• Growth and risk appetite. In global stress, investors have often bought dollars as a safe asset.
• Trade and energy. Countries that import energy can see their currencies weaken when oil prices jump.

For a full explanation, read What moves the US dollar index (DXY)?.

About the data

FRED publishes the Federal Reserve H.10 noon buying rates in New York. These are reference rates, not tradable quotes; your broker's prices will differ slightly and include a spread.

FAQ

Is the broad dollar index the same as DXY?

No. DXY is an ICE index of six currencies. The Fed's broad index covers many more trading partners and is trade-weighted.

What does a falling EUR/USD mean?

Each euro buys fewer dollars, so the dollar has strengthened against the euro.

How far back does EUR/USD go?

The euro launched in 1999, and FRED's DEXUSEU series starts then. Its low in the series was 0.8270 in October 2000 and its high 1.6010 in April 2008.

Are these the rates my bank uses?

No. They are noon reference rates. Retail rates include a markup or spread.