The US dollar edged down to 98.4 on Friday but remained on track for a second consecutive weekly advance, as investors focused on signs of economic strength. Data released Thursday showed retail sales rebounded more than expected in June, while weekly initial jobless claims unexpectedly fell to a three-month low, suggesting resilience in the economy despite President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This also gave the Federal Reserve room to delay rate cuts. Adding to the sentiment, Fed Governor Adriana Kugler said Thursday that it would be appropriate to keep rates steady for "some time.” However, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly maintained her outlook for two rate cuts this year. Meanwhile, Trump soothed investors by clarifying he was not planning to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, though he continued to criticize Powell for not cutting rates more quickly. The dollar is up 0.6% so far this week, poised to close out its second weekly gain for the first time since May.