Dollar Gains Slightly as Yen Volatility Continues After Japan Intervention 
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal as Tensions Persist Amid Fragile Ceasefire 
Panama Defends Port Takeover Amid U.S.-China Tensions and Canal Dispute 
Oil Prices Ease but Remain Set for Strong April Gains Amid Middle East Tensions 
Gold Prices Hold Steady as Iran War and Interest Rate Outlook Weigh on Markets 
Markets Stay Strong Despite Oil Shock Concerns as Earnings Drive Investor Confidence 
Fed’s Goolsbee Warns Inflation Remains Elevated, Signals Caution on Rate Cuts 
Tokyo Inflation Slows Despite Energy Pressures and BOJ Policy Outlook 
Iran-U.S. Conflict Escalation Threatens Global Oil Supply and Economic Stability 
EU Warns of Response as U.S. Considers 25% Tariffs on Car Imports 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oil Prices Surge and Fed Signals Inflation Risks 
Wall Street Mixed as Apple Earnings Boost Nasdaq and Oil Prices Ease 
US Dollar Weakens as Yen Surges Amid Japan Intervention and Central Bank Moves 
Yen Weakens After Intervention Spike as Dollar Stabilizes Amid Global Tensions 
Oil Prices Ease Slightly as Strait of Hormuz Tensions and U.S.-Iran Talks Support Market Above $100 
Asian Stocks Rise as South Korea Hits Record High on AI Chip Rally 
US Stock Futures Steady as Earnings Season and Jobs Data Take Center Stage 
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.
