ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Slide as Chip Selloff Deepens Ahead of TSMC Earnings 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
The U.S. dollar held firm on Wednesday, bolstered by trade tariff concerns and stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks, while the New Zealand dollar weakened following an aggressive rate cut by its central bank.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand slashed its benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 3.75% to stimulate the sluggish economy. The kiwi fell 0.3% to $0.5687 as policymakers signaled further cuts. Meanwhile, the euro dipped to $1.0442 amid geopolitical tensions, with divisions between the U.S. and Europe on Ukraine adding uncertainty.
President Donald Trump’s tariff threats drove market unease, with plans for a 25% levy on autos, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. The greenback edged up, supported by euro softness, though it remained near a two-month low of 106.56. Analysts suggest skepticism around Trump's tariff moves could limit USD gains.
The Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes, expected later Wednesday, could offer insight into future monetary policy. Markets have priced in around 35 basis points of cuts for 2025. The dollar index rose 0.04% to 107.04.
The Japanese yen strengthened to 152 per dollar, supported by strong GDP growth and inflation, fueling speculation about a Bank of Japan rate hike in July. Investors await remarks from board member Hajime Takata and upcoming CPI data.
Sterling held steady at $1.2613 after hitting a two-month high of $1.2641, with UK inflation data due Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar slipped 0.07% to $0.63495 as wage growth slowed, reinforcing expectations of cautious monetary policy from the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Investors remain watchful of geopolitical developments, central bank policies, and trade uncertainties shaping currency movements.
