Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
The U.S. dollar held firm on Wednesday, supported by safe-haven demand as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran escalated. Investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, fueling demand for the greenback.
Israel has intensified strikes on Iran in an attempt to curb its nuclear capabilities, while calling for regime change. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, prompting concerns of wider conflict that could impact global energy supplies and trade routes. As a result, the dollar has gained nearly 1% against major currencies like the yen, Swiss franc, and euro since last Thursday.
Although the dollar had dropped over 8% earlier this year amid doubts over U.S. economic strength and protectionist trade policies, it remains a global safe-haven due to its liquidity. Analysts, including NAB’s Rodrigo Catril, suggest that while structural shifts are weakening its dominance, risk aversion still supports the dollar.
On Wednesday, the dollar rose to a one-week high of 145.21 yen. The Swiss franc was steady at 0.816 per dollar, while the euro edged up 0.1% to $1.149. The U.S. Dollar Index remained flat after a 0.6% gain in the previous session.
Higher oil prices—around $75 a barrel—have weighed on the euro and yen, as the EU and Japan are net importers, unlike the U.S., which is a net exporter.
All eyes now turn to the Fed, expected to keep rates unchanged. Investors await its economic outlook, particularly regarding inflation and growth. The Bank of Japan kept rates steady on Tuesday, while central banks in the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden are set to announce decisions later this week. Meanwhile, Japan's exports fell in May for the first time in eight months, signaling global trade strain.
