Fed Holds Rates Steady as Middle East Conflict Clouds Inflation Outlook 
Australia's February Jobs Data Sends Mixed Signals on Rate Outlook 
Gold Prices Hold Above $5,000 as Central Bank Meetings and Iran War Stay in Focus 
U.S.-Iran War Escalates as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Oil Supply 
Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns and Yen Weakness 
Asia Stocks Rise Amid Central Bank Week and Middle East Tensions 
U.S. Futures Dip as Fed Hawkishness and Middle East Tensions Rattle Markets 
Iran-Israel War Escalates: Cluster Missiles, Nuclear Fears, and Strait of Hormuz Crisis 
Oil Prices Dip as U.S. Crude Inventories Surge Amid Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Steadies as Oil Pullback Lifts Risk Sentiment Before Central Bank Decisions 
BOJ Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Middle East Uncertainty 
Bank of Japan Governor Signals Gradual Progress Toward 2% Inflation Target 
Asian Markets Rally on AI Optimism Ahead of Fed Decision 
Japan's Major Companies Lead Strong Wage Growth for Fourth Consecutive Year 
U.S.-Iran War Pushes Brent Crude Back Above $100 as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Persist 
U.S. Presses South Korea on Strait of Hormuz Naval Support Amid Rising Energy Tensions 
The Japanese yen hovered near a two-year low in early Asian trading Thursday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar as investors closely monitored central bank decisions across major economies against the backdrop of an escalating Middle East conflict and surging oil prices.
The yen steadied at 159.78, pulling slightly back from recent lows after Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama warned that authorities were on high alert for unusual currency market movements, partly attributed to speculative activity. The Bank of Japan, set to announce its policy decision later in the day, is widely expected to hold interest rates steady while awaiting further clarity on how the ongoing Iran conflict may impact Japan's import-dependent economy.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve held benchmark interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, projecting higher inflation, stable unemployment, and just one potential rate cut in 2026. Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged an unusually uncertain outlook, offering little guidance on how policymakers would respond to rising energy costs and inflation pressures stemming from U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran. Markets have now pushed rate cut expectations to 2027, with futures data from CME Group's FedWatch tool indicating slim chances of easing even by December.
The U.S. dollar index held near four-month highs at 100.11, while the euro rose modestly to $1.1469 and the British pound edged up to $1.3273. Both the European Central Bank and Bank of England were also expected to keep rates unchanged at their Thursday meetings.
Oil markets continued rallying, with Brent crude jumping 4.2% to $111.87 per barrel following Iranian attacks on regional energy infrastructure. The Australian and New Zealand dollars posted small gains, while Bitcoin traded flat near $71,242.
Global currency and commodity markets remain on edge as geopolitical risks continue reshaping monetary policy outlooks worldwide.
