Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Gold Prices Drop as Fed Rate Outlook and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
BOJ Rate Hike Expected to Boost Yen, Impact USD/JPY and Nikkei 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
ECB Keeps July Rate Options Open Amid Iran War Energy Price Risks 
South Korea Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike as Inflation Remains Elevated 
Goldman Sachs Sees Fed Holding Interest Rates Steady Until 2027 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
BoE Policymaker Alan Taylor Signals No Need for Interest Rate Hike Amid Iran War Inflation Risks 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
Taiwan Central Bank Likely to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged Through 2027 
South Korea's incoming Bank of Korea (BOK) Governor nominee Shin Hyun-song has hinted at a possible shift toward tighter monetary policy, warning that prolonged supply-side shocks stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict could force the central bank to act on rising inflation.
Speaking at a parliamentary confirmation hearing in Seoul on Wednesday, Shin acknowledged growing economic pressure on Asia's fourth-largest economy, stating that the unresolved Iran war crisis is expected to sustain inflationary pressure well into the near term. "A significant test is coming," he told lawmakers, noting that if price pressures persist, they risk feeding into inflation expectations, core inflation, and ultimately broader price instability — a scenario that would demand a monetary policy response.
When pressed on whether he views inflation as a greater threat than slowing growth, Shin reaffirmed that price stability remains the central bank's top priority. He cautioned that surging import costs are likely to accelerate inflation, complicating an already fragile economic outlook marked by weaker GDP performance and elevated consumer prices.
The remarks represent a notable shift in tone from South Korea's monetary authority. The BOK held its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.50% during its April 10 meeting — the final policy decision under outgoing Governor Rhee Chang-yong, whose term concludes on April 20. Markets will closely watch Shin's leadership for any signals of a hawkish pivot in the months ahead.
Adding to his forward guidance, Shin also reversed his previously neutral position on currency policy, explicitly warning against excessive weakening of the South Korean won and pledging direct market intervention should exchange rate volatility escalate beyond acceptable levels. The combined stance on both inflation and the won signals a more assertive approach to macroeconomic management under Shin's anticipated leadership.
