US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
The U.S. dollar held firm on Monday after two weeks of declines, as traders prepared for a busy stretch of central bank meetings led by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Markets have largely priced in an interest rate cut from the Fed this Wednesday, but expectations remain uncertain due to a divided committee, increasing the potential for market volatility.
Major central banks in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Switzerland are also set to meet this week, though investors do not anticipate policy shifts outside the Fed’s move.
The euro traded at $1.1644, staying within its narrow multi-month range, while the yen stabilized at 155.28 per dollar after a weak November. Analysts are anticipating what they call a “hawkish cut” from the Fed, meaning officials may lower rates while signaling a cautious outlook on further easing. Such messaging could strengthen the dollar if it tempers expectations for multiple rate cuts in the coming year.
BNY’s head of markets macro strategy, Bob Savage, noted the possibility of dissents from both hawkish and dovish policymakers, adding to the uncertainty.
The Australian dollar hovered at $0.6640 after rallying in recent weeks, supported by strong economic data that has shifted expectations away from rate cuts. The Reserve Bank of Australia meets Tuesday, with markets now pricing in the next rate move as an increase—potentially as early as May. ANZ analysts expect the RBA to keep its cash rate steady at 3.60%.
In Canada, the loonie eased to C$1.3829 after reaching a 10-week high on strong labor figures. The Bank of Canada is expected to hold rates on Wednesday, with a hike not fully priced in until late 2026.
Elsewhere, the New Zealand dollar traded at $0.5779, while the Swiss franc weakened slightly to 0.8045 per U.S. dollar amid subdued inflation that supports Switzerland’s 0% policy rate.
Sterling hovered near $1.3324, and China’s offshore yuan traded at 7.068. In Brazil, policymakers are expected to maintain the benchmark 15% rate, with potential cuts signaled for next quarter.
