Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Asian markets inched higher on Monday while oil prices remained stable, as investors weighed geopolitical developments in the Middle East alongside a packed week of corporate earnings and economic data. Sentiment improved modestly after signs of limited diplomatic progress, though risks in the region continue to influence global markets.
Brent crude traded near $108.30 per barrel, while U.S. crude hovered around $102.01, both recovering from earlier losses. Concerns remain over the safety of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supply. Reports of a bulk carrier being attacked near Iran’s Sirik region have added to uncertainty, even as potential U.S. naval support is expected to secure the area.
U.S. efforts to assist stranded vessels were highlighted by former President Donald Trump, who mentioned deploying significant military resources, including naval ships, aircraft, and personnel. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it is reviewing a U.S. response to its diplomatic proposal, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low.
Equity markets showed modest gains across the region. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.6%, while South Korean stocks jumped 2.6% after reopening from a holiday. Japanese markets were quieter due to a public holiday, leaving Nikkei futures only slightly higher.
Global investors are closely watching earnings reports this week, with over 100 major companies set to release results, including AMD, Palantir, Disney, and McDonald’s. Despite strong earnings growth forecasts, analysts note that stock reactions to positive results have been limited.
Central banks remain in focus as rising energy prices fuel inflation concerns. Expectations for further interest rate hikes have increased across major economies, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England. Upcoming U.S. payroll data is expected to play a key role in shaping monetary policy outlook.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar softened slightly against the yen and euro, while gold prices edged lower, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing global uncertainty.
