Oil Prices Dip as Trump Eyes Iran De-escalation, Hormuz Closure Persists 
South Korea's $17.3 Billion Emergency Budget Targets Oil Price Surge 
Japan Business Sentiment Rises as Iran War Fuels Inflation Fears, BOJ Rate Hike Looms 
South Korea Manufacturing PMI Hits 4-Year High in March 2025 Driven by Semiconductor Demand 
Asian Stocks Mixed in March 2026 Amid Iran War Fears and Tech Selloff 
Goldman Sachs Sees Value in European Real Estate Stocks Despite Sharp Selloff 
Gold Prices Rebound But Head for Worst Month Since 2008 Amid Iran War Uncertainty 
Canada's Economy Grows Modestly in January 2025, Driven by Energy and Construction 
RBC Capital: European Medtech Firms Show Minimal Middle East and Energy Risk Exposure 
China Manufacturing PMI Hits 12-Month High Amid Energy Price Concerns 
Aluminum Prices Surge Toward Four-Year Highs After Gulf Smelter Strikes 
South Korea's Exports Hit Record High in March on AI-Driven Chip Demand 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges Starting October 2025 
U.S. Stocks Surge on Iran War De-escalation Hopes 
U.S. Trade Rep Dismisses WTO's Future Role After Failed Cameroon Summit 
Gold Prices Rebound in Asia Amid Iran War Ceasefire Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Strengthens
The US Dollar extended its bullish trend, supported by US Treasury yields which surged past the 4.3% level.
Housing Market Insights
The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index Composite-20 showed a year-over-year increase of 5.2% in October 2024, surpassing the forecast of 4.9% but lower than last year's 5.9% rise. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index also saw a significant rebound, jumping to 108.7 in October from 99.2 in September, marking the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Trump's Crypto Ambitions
Donald Trump is embracing cryptocurrency, aiming to make the U.S. a leading hub for digital currencies. He is also planning to remove SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who has faced criticism from crypto supporters. He is accepting campaign donations in cryptocurrencies, appealing to crypto enthusiasts, while analysts anticipate that a Trump victory could boost Bitcoin's value.
Currency Performance Overview
The British Pound is holding strong as the U.S. Dollar rises, remaining the only major currency that is sturdy. The Australian Dollar and Swiss Franc are struggling, with traders awaiting key inflation data that may influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's policy. The Japanese Yen remains weak, with officials closely monitoring the USD/JPY rate as it approaches the important level of 155.
