United States Baker Hughes US Oil Rig Count up to 411 from previous 409
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped around 300 points on Friday, or roughly 0.6%, retreating from the 48,000 handle after two sessions of ceasefire-fueled gains.
The GBP/USD climbed on Friday as risk appetite improved amid the start of US-Iran talks in Pakistan. Meanwhile, US inflation rose as expected in March, but traders seem confident it's a one-time jump as they remain optimistic about Middle East peace negotiations. The pair trades at 1.3461, up 0.20%.
USD/CAD reverses earlier losses on Wednesday, as uncertainty surrounding upcoming US-Iran negotiations keeps markets cautious and overshadows US inflation and Canadian employment data, keeping price action volatile.
The AUD/USD pair steadies on Friday, posting a slight decline after a four-day strike of gains, trading with a cautious tone amid fresh data releases in the US and geopolitical risks.
Russia Consumer Price Index (MoM) above expectations (0.5%) in March: Actual (0.6%)
Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Friday that two previously agreed measures, a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets, must be implemented before negotiations begin, according to Reuters.
TD Securities strategists Robert Both and Emma Lawrence note that Canadian labour markets showed a modest rebound in March, with 14k jobs added and the unemployment rate steady at 6.7%.
Commerzbank’s Volkmar Baur expects the Bank of Japan (BoJ) to deliver two further rate hikes in 2026, taking policy closer to a rising neutral rate and supporting a modest Japanese Yen appreciation versus Dollar (USD) and Euro (EUR) in the second half of the year.
Wells Fargo’s international economics team notes that a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East leaves Oil market risks elevated and conviction on the outlook low.
American consumer confidence deflated in early April, as households grew more pessimistic about current conditions and the broader economic outlook, according to preliminary data from the University of Michigan.
The Euro (EUR) edges higher against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, with EUR/USD extending gains for a fifth straight day, as improving risk sentiment following the US-Iran ceasefire announcement offsets the impact of firm US inflation data and keeps the Greenback under pressure.
Oscar Munoz and the TD Securities US macro team judge that, although core CPI surprised on the soft side and tariff pass-through moderated, it is too early for markets to extrapolate a dovish signal.
ING’s Senior Economist Min Joo Kang notes that the Bank of Korea kept its policy rate at 2.5% and stressed a data-dependent stance as inflation pressures rise and GDP growth projections weaken.
Commerzbank’s Bernd Weidensteiner notes that U.S. inflation jumped to 3.3% in March, driven mainly by higher gasoline prices linked to the war in Iran, while core inflation remains moderate.
United States Michigan Consumer Expectations Index: 46.1 (April) vs previous 51.7
United States UoM 1-year Consumer Inflation Expectations: 4.8% (April) vs 3.8%
United States UoM 5-year Consumer Inflation Expectation increased to 3.4% in April from previous 3.2%
United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index registered at 47.6, below expectations (52) in April
United States Factory Orders (MoM) came in at 0%, above expectations (-0.2%) in February
UBS economist Paul Donovan discusses how visible Oil prices at fuel stations interact with changing consumer behavior in major economies.
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, told FOX Business on Friday that the Federal Reserve (Fed) outlook for having room to cut rates will be very solid. He also claimed the Hormuz Strait can be reopened within two months, saying they have backup plans to reopen it.
Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Nathan Janzen notes that Canadian labour market conditions steadied in March, with a modest employment gain and an unemployment rate holding at 6.7%.
Scotiabank’s strategists Shaun Osborne and Eric Theoret note the Euro is extending consolidation around 1.17 after sentiment-driven gains linked to easing geopolitical concerns. They highlight constructive risk reversals, supportive yield spreads and reduced demand for downside protection.
United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) economists Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann see USD/JPY edging higher in the near term after rebounding from oversold levels, but expects gains to be limited below 159.60.
Rabobank's Head of Macro Strategy Elwin de Groot argues that Hungary’s parliamentary election could have supportive implications for the Euro if Viktor Orbán loses power.
OCBC strategists Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong note New Zealand Dollar (NZD) has rallied on hawkish Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) rhetoric and easing Oil risks, but warns markets may be overpricing tightening.
ING economists expect National Bank of Poland (NBP) rates to stay unchanged after April’s decision to hold the reference rate at 3.75%.
GBP/JPY edges higher on Friday, extending gains for a fifth straight day as the Japanese Yen (JPY) remains on the defensive against most of the major peers. Elevated Oil prices continue to weigh on the Yen, given Japan’s status as a major net importer.
Danske Research Team underlines that Sunday’s Hungarian election could be crucial for European Union politics.
Statistics Canada reported on Friday that the Unemployment Rate helds steady at 6.7% in March, coming short of what markets were expecting.
Commerzbank’s Michael Pfister and Norman Liebke note that Mexico’s latest inflation data and Banxico minutes support a dovish stance.
United States Consumer Price Index Core s.a up to 334.165 in March from previous 333.51
Germany Current Account n.s.a. rose from previous €17.1B to €22B in February
United States Consumer Price Index (MoM) meets expectations (0.9%) in March
United States Consumer Price Index ex Food & Energy (MoM) came in at 0.2%, below expectations (0.3%) in March
United States Consumer Price Index (YoY) meets forecasts (3.3%) in March
United States Consumer Price Index n.s.a (MoM) below forecasts (330.41) in March: Actual (330.21)
United States Consumer Price Index ex Food & Energy (YoY) registered at 2.6%, below expectations (2.7%) in March
Canada Unemployment Rate below forecasts (6.8%) in March: Actual (6.7%)
Canada Net Change in Employment came in at 14.1K, below expectations (15K) in March
Canada Participation Rate remains unchanged at 64.9% in March
Standard Chartered Bank economists Saurav Anand and Anubhuti Sahay highlight a sharp slowdown in India’s new investment announcements in March, heavily affected by the Middle East conflict and sector-specific issues in renewable electricity and chemicals.
The Euro (EUR) appreciates against its main peers on Friday, boosted by news reporting that Russia and Ukraine might be close to a peace deal. The EUR/JPY has extended its rally from mid-March lows at 182.00 to 186.50 so far, bringing the year-to-date high at 186.88 into focus.
Brown Brothers Harriman’s (BBH) Elias Haddad notes that global markets are cautious ahead of US-Iran ceasefire talks, with Brent, equities and bonds reacting while the Dollar stabilizes.
Gold (XAU/USD) oscillates within a narrow range on Friday as markets continue to monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East, while traders also stay on the sidelines ahead of US inflation data.
Mexico Industrial Output (YoY) came in at -1.3%, below expectations (-0.7%) in February
Brazil IPCA Inflation registered at 0.88% above expectations (0.77%) in March
TD Securities’ Global Strategy Team expects a muted rebound in Canadian labour markets, forecasting only 10k new jobs in March and an unemployment rate of 6.8%.
BNY’s Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage highlights extreme dislocation in Oil markets, with North Sea Forties Blend near $147/bbl and Dated Brent far above futures as Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz cuts flows to 8% of normal.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades higher against its major currency peers, except other European currencies, edging up to near 1.3444 against the US Dollar (USD) during the European trading session on Friday.
TD Securities’ Global Strategy Team highlights that United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the key event, with core inflation expected to rise 0.27% m/m and headline CPI to jump 0.90% m/m as higher Oil prices feed through.
India FX Reserves, USD increased to $697.12B in March 30 from previous $688.06B
The US Dollar (USD) remains steady, relatively close to the key 160.00 level against the Japanese Yen (JPY) on Friday, as the fragility of the ceasefire in Iran has prompted investors to cut down US dollar shorts.
ING’s Francesco Pesole highlights that markets now price only 6bp for a European Central Bank (ECB) hike on 30 April, while around 55bp remains priced by year-end.
The Canadian labor market data for March is scheduled to be published today at 12:30 GMT.
According to a report from Bloomberg, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during European trading hours on Friday that Kyiv is close to reaching a peace deal with Russia.
DBS Group Research projects India’s March Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to edge up to 3.45% year-on-year from 3.2%, reflecting higher cooking gas, energy and input costs, while retail fuel and food stay benign. Precious metals’ correction tempers price pressures.
OCBC strategists Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong report Gold has rebounded in choppy trade on a fragile US–Iran ceasefire and direct Israel–Lebanon talks. With US nominal and real yields falling and risk sentiment improving, the bank sees risks to Gold prices somewhat skewed to the upside.
Commerzbank economist Bernd Weidensteiner notes that the Federal Reserve sees itself in a good position despite Iran‑related inflation risks, with officials expecting only a small core inflation impact.
Deutsche Bank economists expect a sharp acceleration in US CPI for March as higher gasoline prices feed through. They project headline CPI at 0.95% month‑on‑month, the strongest since June 2022, lifting the annual rate back to 3.4%.
Silver prices (XAG/USD) fell on Friday, according to FXStreet data. Silver trades at $75.16 per troy ounce, down 0.23% from the $75.33 it cost on Thursday.
Nordea’s Jan von Gerich and Tuuli Koivu updated their ECB outlook before the ceasefire news and now expect four 25bp hikes starting in June.
ING strategists Ewa Manthey and Warren Patterson highlight that Gold is edging higher and on track for a third consecutive weekly gain, supported by diplomatic optimism on Iran, central‑bank demand and rising inflation expectations.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) trims gains on Friday as the US-Iran peace truce staggers. Cautious markets feature a mild return to the US Dollar’s (USD) safety following a risk-on week, and pulling the AUD/USD down from three-week highs near 0.7090 to session lows around 0.7060 so far.
Rabobank’s RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets team notes that Brent crude has firmed as markets weigh a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran and severe disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Silver price (XAG/USD) trades in a tight range around $75.00 during the European trading session on Friday.
UBS economist Paul Donovan discusses how US March consumer price inflation highlights US consumers’ war-related burden and affordability concerns.
United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) economists Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note AUD/USD broke above the prior range, reaching near 0.7100. Despite labeling the recent surge as overdone, they still see room for a push toward 0.7135, with 0.7000 now the key strong support.
Commerzbank analysts Michael Pfister and Norman Liebke highlight that Brazil’s inflation edged higher in February, and they expect today’s March data to show another fairly sharp rise in prices.
Oil prices are ticking up for the second consecutive day on Friday. The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil has returned to levels near $93.00 per barrel, as restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz keep a de facto blockade in place, adding strain to an already frail ceasefire deal in Iran.
ING’s Francesco Pesole notes that the US Dollar Index remains just below 99.0, with further downside seen if a permanent Middle East peace deal is agreed and Strait of Hormuz flows resume.
Italy Industrial Output s.a. (MoM) below forecasts (0.5%) in February: Actual (0.1%)
Italy Industrial Output w.d.a (YoY) in line with forecasts (0.5%) in February
According to a report from the Guardian, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, said that forces are continuing their combat operations in southern Lebanon and are “not in a ceasefire” with Hezbollah.
BNY’s Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage argues that Q1 US equities will be driven more by forward guidance than reported earnings, with consensus S&P 500 earnings growth around 13% and wide dispersion in forecasts.
The USD/CAD pair rebounds to near 1.3833 from the two-week low of 1.3805 on Friday after snapping a four-day losing streak.
AUD/JPY edges lower after four days of losses, trading around 112.50 during the European hours on Friday. The currency cross remains subdued as the Australian Dollar (AUD) holds losses following the release of Chinese Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March.
The GBP/JPY cross trades with a positive bias for the fifth consecutive day and hits a fresh one-month high, around the 133.85 area, during the early European session on Friday.
Danske Research Team highlights that Brent crude is trading around USD 96 per barrel after sharp intraday swings tied to Middle East headlines.
The (EUR) has snapped a four-day rally against the US Dollar on Friday. The pair pulled back from monthly highs at 1.1720 on Thursday to 1.1685 at the time of writing, as investors' confidence in a peace deal between the US and Iran shakes.
United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) economists Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann highlight a still-positive short-term outlook for GBP/USD after recent gains above 1.3450. They see scope for the Pound (GBP) to advance toward 1.3520, but stress that a daily close above 1.3480 is required.
ING’s Francesco Pesole points to Canada’s March labour report as key for Bank of Canada (BoC) expectations, stressing that the unemployment rate matters more than volatile monthly payrolls.
Asian equities rise following a rally on Wall Street overnight as the United States (US)–Iran ceasefire triggered a sharp drop in oil prices, easing concerns over renewed inflation and further rate hikes by the central banks.
Austria Industrial Production (YoY) increased to 1.1% in February from previous 0.3%
Philip Wee at DBS Group Research highlights that despite Brent crude trading in a USD 100–120 range in Q1 2026, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has stayed within its established 96–101 band.
The USD/JPY pair attracts some buyers to near 159.30 during the early European trading hours on Friday. A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran provides some support to the US Dollar (USD) against the Japanese Yen (JPY).
Here is what you need to know on Friday, April 10:
DBS Group Research economist Eugene Leow notes that Gold has been consolidating in a tight range despite sharp moves in energy markets, as traders await key US CPI data. The report highlights stronger institutional demand, with rising ETF holdings after late-March weakness.
MUFG’s Senior Currency Analyst Lloyd Chan argues that Asia FX gains on ceasefire hopes are running ahead of fundamentals, as Oil retains a structural floor and US yields stay elevated.
The NZD/USD pair corrects after a four-day winning streak, trading 0.25% lower to near 0.5845 during the early European trading session on Friday.
The Euro (EUR) holds moderate gains against the British Pound (GBP) on Friday.
Danske Research Team reports that global equities extended gains, led by US markets, with cyclical sectors outperforming while defensive and low-volatility names lag.
Commerzbank’s Volkmar Baur argues that FX markets will increasingly shift focus from Gulf tensions to the impact of higher Oil prices on United States (US) inflation and the US Dollar (USD).
Silver price (XAG/USD) extends its winning streak, trading around $76.00 per troy ounce during the Asian hours on Friday.
Sweden Industrial Production Value (YoY) increased to 7% in February from previous 1.9%
Sweden Industrial Production Value (MoM) rose from previous -5.7% to 5.1% in February
Germany Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) in line with expectations (2.8%) in March
Germany Consumer Price Index (MoM) in line with forecasts (1.1%) in March
Germany Consumer Price Index (YoY) in line with expectations (2.7%) in March
Germany Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (MoM) meets expectations (1.2%) in March
Sweden New Orders Manufacturing (YoY) climbed from previous -3.9% to 1% in February
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $91.75 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The WTI price declines as traders brace for the outcome of make-or-break talks between the US and Iran on Saturday in Pakistan.
The Indian Rupee (INR) ticks up against the US Dollar (USD) at around 92.45 on Friday.
The AUD/USD pair is down 0.23% to near 0.7065 in the late Asian trading session, struggling to extend its winning streak for the fifth trading day on Friday.
The GBP/USD pair drifts lower during the Asian session on Friday, though it lacks follow-through selling and remains close to its highest level since late February, set earlier this week.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, is halting its four-day losing streak and trading around 98.90 during the Asian hours on Friday.
The EUR/USD pair struggles to capitalize on its weekly gains registered over the past four days and trades with a mild negative bias below the 1.1700 mark during the Asian session on Friday.
Gold prices remained broadly unchanged in India on Friday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The USD/CHF pair loses ground to near 0.7905 during the early European session on Friday. A fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran provides some support to a safe-haven currency such as the Swiss Franc (CHF) against the US Dollar (USD).
Gold (XAU/USD) attracts fresh sellers following the previous day's failed attempt to conquer the $4,800 mark and slides to the $4,738-$4,737 region during the Asian session on Friday.
Netherlands, The Manufacturing Output (MoM) dipped from previous 0.4% to -1.3% in February
EUR/JPY extends its gains for the second successive day, trading around 186.10 during the Asian hours on Friday. The technical analysis of the daily chart indicates the currency cross is trending higher within an ascending channel, signaling a persistent bullish bias.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will publish the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on Friday. The report is expected to show a jump in inflation, driven by the upsurge seen in crude Oil prices after the United States (US) and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran.
Indonesia Consumer Confidence down to 122.9 in March from previous 125.2
USD/CAD gains ground after four days of losses, trading around 1.3820 during the Asian hours on Friday. The pair appreciates as the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar (CAD) struggles amid lower oil prices, given Canada’s status as the largest crude exporter to the United States (US).
The USD/KRW pair holds onto its early gains around 1,478.00 during the Asian trading session on Friday.
The USD/JPY pair gathers strength to around 159.15 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. Ongoing concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East continue to lift the US Dollar (USD) against the Japanese Yen (JPY).
Silver (XAG/USD) struggles to capitalize on a three-day-old modest recovery from levels below the $70.00 psychological mark and oscillates in a narrow band during the Asian session on Friday.
GBP/USD edges lower after four days of gains, trading around 1.3430 during the Asian hours on Friday. The pair depreciates as the US Dollar (USD) holds ground on renewed risk aversion, which could be attributed to the uncertainty over the United States (US)-Iran ceasefire.
The AUD/JPY cross enters a bullish consolidation phase during the Asian session on Friday and reacts little to mixed Chinese inflation figures. Spot prices currently trade just above mid-112.00s, or the highest level since March 18, and remain on track to register strong weekly gains.
The NZD/USD pair edges lower to near 0.5855 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) remains weak against the US Dollar (USD) after mixed Chinese economic data. The attention will shift to the US inflation report later on Friday.
AUD/USD halts its four-day winning streak, trading around 0.7070 during the Asian hours on Friday. However, the pair is up over 2.5% on the week at the time of writing.
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino said on Friday, “don't think Japan’s economy is in stagflation.”
China Consumer Price Index (MoM) below forecasts (-0.2%) in March: Actual (-0.7%)
China Producer Price Index (YoY) above forecasts (0.4%) in March: Actual (0.5%)
China Consumer Price Index (YoY) came in at 1%, below expectations (1.2%) in March
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) – the benchmark US Crude Oil price – trades with a mild positive bias during the Asian session on Friday, though it lacks bullish conviction amid hopes of Iran ceasefire stabilizing.
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Friday at 6.8654 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.8649 and 6.8313 Reuters estimate.
South Korea BoK Interest Rate Decision in line with forecasts (2.5%)
The EUR/USD pair trades in negative territory around 1.1690 during the early Asian session on Friday. The Euro (EUR) weakens against the US Dollar (USD) as traders remain cautious about whether a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran would hold.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that he has issued an instruction to start direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible”, the Washington Post reported on Friday. However, Netanyahu insisted that Israel’s attacks across the country targeting Hezbollah would continue.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that the government is weighing a plan to release approximately 20 days' worth of additional oil reserves starting from early May onwards, Reuters reported on Friday.
Japan Producer Price Index (MoM) below expectations (0.9%) in March: Actual (0.8%)
Japan Producer Price Index (YoY) registered at 2.6% above expectations (2.4%) in March
Japan Bank Lending (YoY) came in at 4.8%, above expectations (4.4%) in March
US President Donald Trump accused Iran of doing a "very poor job" of handling oil through the Strait of Hormuz and is saying it was "not the agreement we have,” BBC reported late Thursday. Trump further stated that Iran "better not be" charging ships to pass through the key waterway.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS) will publish its data for March at 01.30 GMT. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show a rise of 1.2% YoY in March, compared to 1.3% in February.
Gold price (XAU/USD) trades with mild losses near $4,760 during the early Asian session on Friday. The precious metal declines as market uncertainty persists regarding the fragility of the US-Iran ceasefire and reports of continued Middle East conflict, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Colombia Consumer Price Index (YoY) came in at 5.56%, above expectations (5.47%) in March
Colombia Consumer Price Index (MoM) registered at 0.78% above expectations (0.69%) in March
GBP/USD added 0.31% on Thursday, pushing into the mid-1.3400s as the US-Iran ceasefire continued to weigh on the US Dollar. But the rally is starting to feel laboured.
New Zealand Business NZ PMI dipped from previous 55 to 53.2 in March
AUD/USD rose 0.56% on Thursday, extending its winning streak to four sessions as the ceasefire-driven risk rally continued to lift the Aussie Dollar.
USD/JPY rises and tests the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 159.19 on Thursday, yet it retreated amid an improvement in risk appetite, a headwind to the safe-haven appeal of the US Dollar. At the time of writing, the pair trades at 158.99, up 0.28%.
The NZD/USD pair is trading muted near 0.5860 on Friday, after climbing for four straight days, hovering near recent highs as the US Dollar (USD) remains supported by a combination of geopolitical tensions and a cautious Federal Reserve outlook.