The U.S. Dollar Index climbed to about 102.5 on Monday, its highest level in nearly 18 months, as the greenback gained ground against major currencies. The euro slipped to roughly 1.12, a 17-month low, pressured by political uncertainty in Spain after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap election for Nov. 29 and by broader fiscal concerns in the eurozone. The dollar's rise follows the Federal Reserve's September decision to lift its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75% to 4%, a move that has bolstered Treasury yields and made dollar‑denominated assets more attractive. Markets are now pricing in further tightening, with a projected range of 4.5% to 4.75% by mid‑2027. Higher yields and a stronger dollar tend to weigh on risk assets by increasing borrowing costs and reducing the appeal of non‑yielding holdings. Yet bitcoin has held near $86,000 after a strong start to October, defying the broader headwinds. The cryptocurrency's resilience reflects a mix of investor demand, limited supply dynamics and the ongoing search for alternative stores of value amid shifting monetary conditions.