Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
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.
