The dollar index steadied around 99.6 on Friday, halting a recent slide and on track to finish the month largely unchanged. For the week, however, the index fell about 0.5% as investors bet on further Federal Reserve rate cuts. Markets are now pricing in roughly an 87% chance of a 25 basis point cut in December, with three additional reductions expected next year. Expectations were reinforced after reports that White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett is the leading candidate for the next Fed chair, a choice seen as aligned with President Donald Trump’s preference for lower rates. Safe-haven demand for the greenback also eased amid ongoing talks over a potential Ukraine peace deal, which could boost the euro. The dollar was set to post its largest weekly decline against the kiwi after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand signaled an end to its current easing cycle.