The U.S. dollar has risen to its highest level against a basket of currencies since late July, driven by growing market expectations for further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Following last week's 25 basis point increase and signals of at least one additional hike this year, the greenback has gained significant support as traders price in tighter monetary policy. Brent crude climbing back above $100 per barrel during European trading provided additional tailwinds, though rate expectations have become the dominant driver of dollar strength. Standard Chartered strategist Steve Englander noted that the medium- to long-term dollar strengthening trend previously forecast may finally be starting to emerge as these factors converge.