Fed Holds Rates Steady as Middle East Conflict Clouds Inflation Outlook 
Best Gold Stocks to Buy Now: AABB, GOLD, GDX 
ANZ and Westpac Forecast Two RBA Rate Hikes in March and May 2026 
Goldman Sachs Delays Bank of England Rate Cut Forecast Amid Middle East Inflation Risks 
Goldman Sachs Raises ECB Rate Hike Forecast Amid Persistent Energy-Driven Inflation 
Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady Amid Iran War Inflation Fears 
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BOJ Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Middle East Uncertainty 
ECB Eyes Rate Hike Amid Iran Conflict-Driven Energy Price Surge 
Few economic data and events scheduled for today, and all with low to medium volatility risks associated.
Data released so far:
- New Zealand: Credit card spending up 4.5 percent y/y in April.
- Australia: In his speech governor Lowe confirmed RBA’s easing bias.
Upcoming:
- United Kingdom: CBI industrial trend survey report will be released at 10:00 GMT.
- United States: Existing home sales report due at 14:00 GMT. Fed’s Evans’ speech at 14:45 GMT, and Rosengren’s at 16:00 GMT.
- New Zealand: Q1 retail sales report due at 22:45 GMT. Global dairy auction is scheduled today.
- Japan: Machinery orders and trade balance reports will be published at 23:50 GMT.
