Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
The U.S. dollar hovered near a two-week low on Friday, heading for its steepest weekly drop in a month as investors weighed ongoing U.S. tariff negotiations and awaited key central bank meetings next week. Both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan are expected to hold rates steady, but traders will scrutinize post-meeting comments for signals on future policy moves.
The yen traded at 147.10 per dollar, poised for a 1% weekly gain—its strongest since mid-May—after a U.S.-Japan trade deal reduced tariffs on auto imports to 15%. Economists polled by Reuters anticipate the BOJ will raise rates by 25 basis points this year. The dollar index stood at 97.448, set for a 1% weekly decline, while the euro held at $1.1754, near a four-year high of $1.183. The euro has surged 13.5% this year amid shifting U.S. trade policies.
Hopes for broader trade agreements grew after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed upcoming talks with Chinese officials in Stockholm. The Australian dollar hovered near an eight-month high at $0.6593, supported by improved risk sentiment.
Markets largely dismissed President Donald Trump’s rare visit to the Fed, where he clashed with Chair Jerome Powell over renovation costs and pushed for rate cuts. Fed policymakers are expected to keep rates at 4.25%-4.50%, with futures pricing in 43 basis points of cuts by year-end. Analysts at ANZ forecast 25-basis-point cuts in September and December, citing slowing demand, labor market weakness, and easing service inflation.
Bitcoin slipped 0.79% to $117,840, while Ethereum fell 2% to $3,655, mirroring broader risk sentiment as traders await clarity from upcoming policy decisions.
