South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Asian currencies slipped on Thursday as the U.S. dollar strengthened, fueled by market uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff plans and anticipation of key U.S. inflation data. The U.S. Dollar Index climbed 0.2% in Asian trading, extending gains from its two-month low earlier this week, while dollar index futures rose 0.3%.
Currency markets reacted negatively to Trump’s reaffirmation of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. While the initial deadline was March 4, he hinted at a possible delay until April 2, adding to investor uncertainty. This lack of clarity triggered risk aversion, leading to capital outflows from emerging markets and weakening Asian currencies.
The South Korean won (USD/KRW) and Indonesian rupiah (USD/IDR) both fell 0.6%, leading regional losses. The Indian rupee (USD/INR) slipped 0.3%, while the Australian dollar (AUD/USD) dropped 0.2%. The offshore Chinese yuan (USD/CNH) climbed 0.3%, while the onshore yuan (USD/CNY) edged up 0.1%. The Japanese yen (USD/JPY) and Singapore dollar (USD/SGD) rose 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.
Investors are also closely watching Friday’s U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Recent weaker-than-expected U.S. services PMI and consumer sentiment reports have fueled speculation of potential rate cuts, though immediate policy shifts remain unlikely.
Meanwhile, China’s upcoming “Two Sessions” in early March will be a key event for global markets. Policymakers are expected to maintain last year’s growth target while focusing on boosting domestic demand. Analysts anticipate policy signals that could impact regional markets, as China navigates geopolitical and economic challenges.
