China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Most Asian currencies strengthened on Monday as the U.S. dollar extended losses following weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data, which raised uncertainty over the U.S. economy and interest rate outlook. The greenback retreated about 0.4% after Friday’s report showed July job growth slowing sharply, with downward revisions to the prior two months, signaling a cooling labor market. Concerns also mounted after President Donald Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, fueling doubts over U.S. economic data credibility.
Despite Monday’s gains, most regional currencies remain pressured after recent losses, driven by worries over Trump’s new trade tariffs and a mixed outlook for Federal Reserve policy. The Fed signaled last week it has no immediate plans to cut rates, though traders are now betting on rate cuts amid mounting political pressure from Trump. The early resignation of Fed Governor Adriana Kugler gives Trump another chance to reshape the central bank’s board.
Among major movers, the Japanese yen (USDJPY) rose 0.2%, benefiting from safe-haven demand. The Chinese yuan (USDCNY) climbed 0.4%, while the South Korean won (USDKRW) strengthened 0.3% and the Singapore dollar (USDSGD) gained 0.1%. The Australian dollar (AUDUSD) traded flat.
The Indian rupee, however, underperformed, with the USDINR pair inching higher after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports. Markets remain cautious as trade talks between Washington and New Delhi show little progress.
Investor attention now turns to the Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming policy meeting, where the central bank is widely expected to cut interest rates to counter economic headwinds. Meanwhile, broader Asian forex sentiment will likely remain sensitive to U.S. data, Fed policy signals, and ongoing trade tensions.
