The U.S. dollar rose sharply alongside safe-haven currencies like the Japanese yen and Swiss franc following reports that Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. Two U.S. officials confirmed the strikes to Reuters, clarifying that the U.S. had no role in the operation. Explosions were reportedly heard northeast of Tehran.
Currency markets reacted swiftly to the geopolitical tension. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, gained 0.4% to reach 98.07 in early Asian trading. The dollar fell 0.35% against the yen to 143.00, while the Swiss franc slipped 0.39% to 0.807 per dollar. Risk-sensitive currencies such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars dropped 0.9% each.
Earlier this week, the dollar had weakened amid a tepid investor response to the U.S.-China trade truce and softer-than-expected inflation data, which fueled expectations of deeper interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Despite today's rally, the dollar remains on track for weekly losses against the yen, euro, and Swiss franc.
The geopolitical shock also impacted commodities. Crude oil prices surged over $4 per barrel, reflecting fears of supply disruption in the oil-rich Middle East. Gold prices rose 0.8%, marking their highest level since early May as investors sought safety.
The swift reversal in global markets underscores the fragile balance between macroeconomic trends and geopolitical risks, particularly in currency and commodity markets. As tensions escalate, investors are flocking to traditional safe havens while reassessing monetary policy expectations.


BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 



