Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
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Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
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U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Mega IPOs Like SpaceX and OpenAI Could Reshape S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Portfolios in 2026 
The U.S. dollar stayed firm on Friday, extending gains after its strongest daily performance in three weeks. Markets reacted to the Federal Reserve’s steady interest rate stance and cautious outlook on future cuts. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized there’s “no hurry to move,” highlighting uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade tariffs.
The dollar index held steady at 103.81 in early Asia trade, following a 0.36% rise on Thursday. Earlier this week, the index had touched a five-month low at 103.19, retreating from its January high of 110.17. Market sentiment has shifted from optimism over Trump’s economic policies to concern over a potential U.S. recession triggered by ongoing trade tensions.
Risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars remained pressured. The Aussie hovered at $0.6303 after Thursday’s 0.86% drop, while the kiwi stabilized at $0.5766 following a 1% plunge, despite GDP data showing New Zealand's economy exiting recession.
The euro remained weak at $1.0854 after falling 0.45% as traders hesitated to push it past $1.1000. Sterling dipped slightly to $1.2961, and the dollar ticked up 0.07% against the yen to 148.88. It also stayed firm against the Canadian dollar at C$1.4321.
With a new round of reciprocal tariffs expected on April 2, market watchers like Pepperstone’s Chris Weston note increased caution, as traders reduce short positions and adopt a more neutral stance on the greenback. As global uncertainty persists, the dollar’s stability amid Fed policy and trade risks continues to guide currency markets.
