The dollar index steadied above 97 on Wednesday after heightened volatility in the prior session, as investors awaited minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting for clearer signals on the interest rate path. Markets are also focused on Friday’s release of the PCE Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation metric. In addition, GDP data due later this week is expected to confirm another quarter of economic expansion. The policy outlook remains clouded following stronger-than-expected labor market data and benign inflation readings last week. On Tuesday, Fed Governor Michael Barr said rates should remain steady for some time until officials gain greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward the central bank’s 2% target. On the geopolitical front, the US and Iran reached an understanding on key “guiding principles” during a second round of indirect talks over their nuclear dispute, though a comprehensive agreement is not expected in the near term.