Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
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 
Asian currencies mostly weakened on Friday while the U.S. dollar moved higher as investors reacted to renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, alongside expectations surrounding the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report. The stronger dollar reflected renewed demand for safe-haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.
The U.S. Dollar Index climbed 0.2% during Asian trading hours, recovering from recent declines. Dollar Index futures also posted a 0.2% gain as market participants shifted toward defensive positions following reports of military exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
According to reports, Iranian and U.S. forces exchanged fire on Thursday after Iran accused Washington of targeting vessels and coastal areas near Qeshm Island. The United States stated that its actions were defensive after Iranian drones, missiles, and small boats allegedly approached U.S. Navy destroyers operating in the area.
Despite the escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire agreement remained active and described the incident as limited in scope. Iranian officials also suggested the situation had stabilized, easing fears of a broader regional conflict. Investors interpreted these comments as a sign that diplomatic efforts between the two nations were still ongoing.
Currency markets across Asia showed cautious movement. The Japanese yen remained largely stable against the dollar, while the South Korean won weakened by 0.4%. China’s yuan also edged lower, with the USD/CNY pair rising 0.1%.
Elsewhere, the Indian rupee traded flat, the Singapore dollar slipped slightly, and the Australian dollar fell 0.2% against the greenback. Analysts noted that regional currencies may continue to consolidate as traders await fresh signals from U.S. economic data.
Market attention is now focused on the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which could influence expectations for future Federal Reserve interest rate decisions and overall dollar direction in global forex markets.
