Global Markets Rise as Oil Prices Stabilize Amid Middle East Tensions 
Bank of Korea Signals Potential Interest Rate Hikes as Inflation Remains Elevated 
Wall Street Mixed as Apple Earnings Boost Nasdaq and Oil Prices Ease 
Fed’s Goolsbee Warns Inflation Remains Elevated, Signals Caution on Rate Cuts 
Gold Prices Slip Amid Iran Tensions and Rising Rate Concerns 
Dollar Gains Slightly as Yen Volatility Continues After Japan Intervention 
Yen Stabilizes After Suspected Intervention as Global Currency Markets Stay Cautious 
Asian Markets Slip Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions and RBA Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Hold Above $100 Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions and U.S.-Iran Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Ease in Asian Trade as Gulf Tensions and Hormuz Shipping Risks Weigh on Markets 
Gold Prices Hold Steady Amid Iran Tensions and Interest Rate Uncertainty 
RBA Rate Hike Outlook: Impact on AUD/USD and ASX 200 
EU Warns of Response as U.S. Considers 25% Tariffs on Car Imports 
Dollar Holds Firm as Asian Currencies Stabilize Amid Middle East Tensions and Rate Uncertainty 
UAE Exits OAPEC Amid Shift Toward Independent Oil Strategy and Market Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Rise Slightly as Oil Prices Hold Steady Amid Middle East Uncertainty 
US Stock Futures Steady as Earnings Season and Jobs Data Take Center Stage 
The Japanese yen remained a focal point in global foreign exchange markets on Monday, as it trimmed earlier gains against the U.S. dollar following a sharp rally driven by speculation of government intervention. The USD/JPY pair edged slightly higher to around 157.21 after briefly strengthening earlier in the day, highlighting ongoing volatility in the currency markets.
Market sentiment suggests that Japanese authorities may have stepped in last week to stabilize the yen, which has faced persistent weakness due to macroeconomic pressures. Reports indicate that Tokyo could have spent as much as 5.48 trillion yen (approximately $35 billion) in currency intervention, marking its first such move in two years. Analysts believe this action was aimed at preventing the dollar-yen exchange rate from breaching the 160 level, especially during Japan’s Golden Week holiday period when trading volumes are typically lower and price swings more pronounced.
Despite the intervention, experts caution that structural factors continue to weigh on the yen. Higher global oil prices, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates, and Japan’s relatively low real yields all contribute to sustained downward pressure. Additionally, the yen remains a preferred funding currency for carry trades, further limiting its upside potential.
Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar gained support from increased safe-haven demand amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Renewed conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, have heightened market uncertainty. Reports of attacks on vessels and disruptions to shipping routes have raised concerns about energy supply, boosting demand for the dollar.
The U.S. dollar index rose by 0.2% to 98.37, reflecting broader strength against major currencies. The euro and British pound both declined by 0.3%, trading at $1.1690 and $1.3530 respectively. Ongoing geopolitical risks and central bank policies are expected to keep forex markets volatile in the near term.
