Investing.com - The dollar remained moderately higher against the other major currencies on Wednesday, even after data showed that U.S. pending home sales unexpectedly fell in June, as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s rate statement later in the day.
EUR/USD was down 0.22% at 1.1034, holding below Monday’s two-week highs of 1.1128.
Investors were waiting to see if Fed policymakers will give any indication on the timing or pace of future interest rate increases.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen has said the central bank could raise rates as soon as September if the economy continues to improve as expected.
The dollar shrugged off a report showing that contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly fell in June, following five months of increases.
The National Association of Realtors said its pending home sales index fell 1.8% to 110.3 last month, compared to expectations for a 1.0% gain. It was still the third highest reading this year.
USD/JPY added 0.14% to 123.74.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was up 0.12% to 96.88.
The dollar was steady against the Swiss franc, with USD/CHF at 0.9625 and lower against the pound, with GBP/USD up 0.41% to 1.5677.
The commodity linked currencies were mixed, with AUD/USD down 0.21% to 0.7321, nearing Tuesday’s six year lows of 0.7256, and with NZD/USD up 0.12% at 0.6685. USD/CAD held steady at 1.2926.
Volatility in Chinese equity markets has roiled the Aussie, because of the country’s strong trade links to China.