Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Asian currencies traded within a narrow range on Wednesday as investors awaited further developments in U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations, while softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data offered modest relief to markets. The dollar edged slightly higher in Asian trading after a seven-session losing streak, weighed down by easing safe-haven demand and cooling inflation concerns.
The Chinese yuan held steady ahead of China's first-quarter GDP report due Thursday, which analysts expect will reflect a rebound from a sluggish December quarter. The Japanese yen slipped modestly, hovering near its lowest levels in roughly 18 months. Meanwhile, the dollar index and dollar index futures each gained less than 0.1%, staying under pressure despite the marginal bounce.
Tuesday's U.S. Producer Price Index reading came in below forecasts for March. Although energy prices climbed due to the ongoing Iran conflict, core inflation figures showed more contained growth, fueling optimism that the Federal Reserve retains room to cut interest rates. Former Fed Chair and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen echoed that sentiment, stating she anticipates at least one rate cut this year despite ongoing economic uncertainty tied to the Iran war.
Across Asia, currency movements were subdued. South Korea's won was little changed after the incoming Bank of Korea Governor signaled a potentially hawkish policy stance, citing inflationary risks from the conflict and a weakened won. South Korean trade figures for March surprised to the upside, driven by robust semiconductor exports tied to artificial intelligence demand. The Australian dollar gained 0.3% as risk appetite improved, while the Indian rupee edged lower following softer-than-expected domestic inflation data. The Singapore dollar was flat after the Monetary Authority of Singapore tightened policy settings marginally the day before.
On the geopolitical front, the U.S. military confirmed its naval blockade against Iran was fully operational, cutting off all economic trade to and from the country. Despite this escalation, a fragile ceasefire appeared to remain in place, with President Donald Trump expressing confidence that a resolution was close and indicating further talks were expected within days.
