Asian Currencies Slip as Stronger US Dollar, Iran Tensions Pressure Regional FX 
Asian Stocks Slip as Iran Tensions, Samsung Weakness and Fed Caution Weigh on Markets 
Japan Producer Inflation Hits 7.1% in June, Fueling BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil and LNG Tankers Turn Back as Strait of Hormuz Security Risks Escalate 
Bernstein Raises 2026 Nickel Price Forecast as Indonesia Tightens Supply 
Gold Price Rebounds as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Minutes Keep Markets on Edge 
Chinese Chip Stocks Jump as Apple Reportedly Tests CXMT Memory Chips for China Devices 
European Regulators Clash With U.S. Treasury Over Private Credit Transparency 
Japan Wholesale Inflation Jumps as Energy Shock Drives Import Costs Higher 
Japan Eyes Bigger GPIF Investment in Domestic Assets as BOJ Independence Concerns Grow 
Japanese Yen Rises as Pension Fund Plan and BOJ Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Dollar 
China Inflation Cools in June as Producer Prices Hit Four-Year High 
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,811 as Government Seeks Sanctions Relief 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar, Fed Rate Outlook Weigh on Bullion 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Dollar Slips After Fed Minutes as Iran Tensions, Inflation Risks Keep Markets Cautious 
The U.S. dollar trimmed earlier gains on Thursday after reports emerged that Washington and Tehran had finalized a draft peace agreement aimed at easing Middle East tensions. The news influenced global forex markets, bond yields, and investor sentiment as traders monitored developments surrounding Iran’s nuclear negotiations and energy supply routes.
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, rose earlier in the session before settling near 99.27. Investor attention shifted after Iranian media reported that a ceasefire proposal between the United States and Iran had been completed with Pakistan’s mediation. The proposed agreement reportedly includes secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and further diplomatic negotiations within days.
Earlier market optimism for the dollar came after reports suggested Iran planned to retain its near weapons-grade uranium, signaling a tougher stance in nuclear talks with the U.S. However, both Tehran and Washington later denied those claims, calling them inaccurate and politically motivated.
Concerns over the Strait of Hormuz also continued to support oil prices. Iran recently introduced tighter maritime controls and discussed a toll system for vessels using the critical shipping route. Since nearly 20% of global oil and gas flows through the region, supply disruptions have fueled inflation fears and increased expectations for future central bank interest rate hikes.
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve meeting minutes showed policymakers remain concerned about inflation risks tied to rising energy prices. The outlook contributed to volatility in Treasury yields and strengthened expectations for tighter monetary policy.
Economic data also remained in focus as S&P Global released flash PMI reports. U.S. manufacturing activity showed improvement, while the services sector weakened slightly due to softer demand and rising costs. In Europe, economic activity slowed sharply, with the eurozone posting its weakest business performance in over two years.
The euro slipped against the dollar, while the British pound remained mostly stable. Japan’s yen weakened slightly despite moderate expansion in private sector activity.
