Forex Today: Markets Turn Risk-averse as Ceasefire Optimism Fades
Here is what you need to know on Thursday, March 26:
Financial markets adopt a cautious stance early Thursday as hopes of an end to the conflict in the Middle East wane. The US Dollar (USD) Index holds comfortably above 99.50 after closing in positive territory on Wednesday, while US stock index futures lose between 0.3% and 0.4%. In the meantime, crude Oil prices edge higher, with the barrel of West Texas Intermediate trading above $91.50 and rising about 1.5% on the day. The US economic calendar will feature weekly Initial Jobless Claims data later in the day and several Federal Reserve (Fed) policymakers will be delivering speeches.
Iran has reportedly rejected the United States' 15-point plan to end the war and issued their own five conditions, which include guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations, in addition to having authority over the Strait of Hormuz. In a briefing on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to say whether the US was considering a ground operation, but noted that formal authorisation from Congress would not be needed if the US decided to execute such plan.
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EUR/USD lost more than 0.4% on Wednesday and erased a large portion of its weekly gains. The pair stays relatively quiet and fluctuates in a narrow range at around 1.1550 in the European session on Thursday.
Gold climbed above $4,600 on Wednesday but reversed its direction to close with small gains. XAU/USD stays on the back foot in the European morning and loses more than 1% on the day below $4,500.
GBP/USD closed in negative territory for the second consecutive day on Wednesday and continued to stretch lower during the Asian trading hours on Thursday. At the time of press, the pair was down about 0.1% near 1.3350.
USD/JPY stays in a consolidation phase slightly below 159.50 after rising 0.4% on Wednesday.
AUD/USD struggles to stage a rebound and holds steady at around 0.6950 after losing 0.7% on Wednesday. Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Assistant Governor Christopher Kent warned that if the Middle East conflict prolongs, the economic damage would be greater and policymakers would need to cap inflation amid surging energy prices.
