Fed's Goolsbee: Oil shock makes problem of inflation from likely productivity growth more extreme.Fed's Goolsbee: Oil shock makes problem of inflation from likely productivity growth more extreme

British Pound softens to near 1.3400 as US-Iran tensions boost safe-haven US Dollar.British Pound softens to near 1.3400 as US-Iran tensions boost safe-haven US Dollar

Fed's Jefferson Says Policy Well Positioned Despite Rising Inflation Risks.Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said the current stance of US monetary policy remains appropriate despite ongoing upside risks to inflation tied to the Middle East conflict and energy disruptions. Speaking at the Bank of Japan-IMES Conference in Tokyo, Jefferson said the current federal funds rate range leaves the Fed “well positioned to respond to economic developments based on the incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.

Fed's Cook Says Inflation Risks Rising, Prepared to Hike if Needed.Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook warned that inflation risks are increasingly tilted to the upside, even though she currently favors keeping interest rates unchanged. Speaking at a policy forum at Stanford University, Cook said the Fed should continue holding rates steady “from a risk-management perspective,” but stressed that policymakers must remain prepared to tighten further if inflation fails to ease in a timely manner.

Fed's Kashkari Says Inflation Still “Much Too High” as Energy Shock Spreads.Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari warned that inflation remains the Fed's primary concern despite growing uncertainty surrounding the global economy and Middle East conflict. Speaking at the Bank of Japan-IMES Conference in Tokyo, Kashkari said inflation in the United States is still “much too high,” while the labor market remains in “decent shape.

Japanese Yen hits four-week low vs firmer USD as Hormuz risks counter intervention fears.Japanese Yen hits four-week low vs firmer USD as Hormuz risks counter intervention fears

ECB's Lane Warns Iran Energy Shock Could Keep Inflation Elevated Even After Peace Deal.European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane warned that the inflation impact from the Middle East conflict is likely to persist even if a quick diplomatic resolution is reached. Speaking at a conference hosted by the Bank of Japan and its think tank in Tokyo, Lane said policymakers are concerned that energy-driven price pressures may continue feeding through the broader economy long after the initial oil shock fades.

New Zealand budget deficit narrows but growth downgrade and inflation peak loom.New Zealand forecast a narrower 2025/26 budget deficit of NZ$15.06 billion but cut its 2026/27 GDP growth forecast to 2.3% and projected inflation peaking at 4.0% in Q2 2026.

Australia capex surges on data centre spend but households cut back sharply.Australian private capital expenditure surged 6.5% in Q1, driven by data centre equipment investment, while April household spending fell 1.1%, more than double the expected decline.

Dollar near one-week high as US-Iran tensions flare, yen nears intervention zone.The dollar held firm near a one-week high on Thursday on a Reuters report that ‌the U.S. had carried out new strikes in Iran targeting a military site, while the yen softened towards a level that triggered central bank intervention last month.

Asia shares take a breather as Gulf hostilities drag on.Asian shares turned hesitant on Thursday as news of a fresh U.S. military strike in Iran challenged investor optimism on a near-term ​peace deal, while U.S. inflation data loomed as a threat for bonds and interest rates.

Traders Are Desperate for More News, but the Status Quo Is Positive.Both sides know what is at stake: the US wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened without conditions and Iran's nuclear program dismantled, while Iran wants a full regional ceasefire and a withdrawal of US troops.

South Korea holds rates, alert to inflation risks.The Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Thursday to gauge whether the Iran war will damp growth, even ​as a slumping won and stubborn inflation pressure policymakers to tighten monetary policy ‌in the coming months.

Australian Dollar hangs near weekly low vs USD on reduced RBA hike bets, Mideast tensions.Australian Dollar hangs near weekly low vs USD on reduced RBA hike bets, Mideast tensions

South Korea central bank holds rates, as expected.The Bank of Korea ​kept its policy interest ‌rate steady on Thursday, as it ​weighs geopolitical risks ​against a weakening won ⁠and resurgent inflation ​that point to ​higher rates ahead.

US, UK firms boost currency hedging as war sparks volatility.American and British companies significantly boosted currency hedging last quarter. This move came as global markets faced turbulence.

ECB's Lane: Even if initial energy shock begins to ease, second-round effects will persist.ECB's Lane: Even if initial energy shock begins to ease, second-round effects will persist

Rupee flat on hopes West Asia truce will hold.The Indian rupee remained stable against the dollar as risk assets gained across Asia and Europe. Falling oil prices and expectations of a West Asian truce provided support, while the central bank's interventions also bolstered the local unit.

Fed's Jefferson: Monetary policy is well positioned to respond, not prejudge June meeting.Fed's Jefferson: Monetary policy is well positioned to respond, not prejudge June meeting

Yen erases the rescue as carry math wins out.Yen erases the rescue as carry math wins out

Pound Sterling sleepwalks toward Bailey, not PCE.Pound Sterling sleepwalks toward Bailey, not PCE

NZ central bank watching how much weaker demand would offset price increases.New Zealand's central bank is watching how ‌much weaker demand from higher energy costs would hold back other price increases, a key determinant for how ​high interest rates will go, a top central ​banker said on Thursday.

Aussie cracks as cool CPI meets a stubborn Kiwi.Aussie cracks as cool CPI meets a stubborn Kiwi

RBNZ's Breman talks hike, votes hold.RBNZ's Breman talks hike, votes hold

Trading Day: Pause before PCE.World stocks eked out new highs while major markets such as the S&P 500, U.S. dollar and Treasuries were largely steady on Wednesday as investors digested conflicting signals on a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal and awaited U.S. inflation figures on Thursday.

United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock climbed from previous -9.1M to -2.8M in May 22.United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock climbed from previous -9.1M to -2.8M in May 22

Fed Cook: Warns rate hike possible as inflation worsens.Fed Cook: Warns rate hike possible as inflation worsens

Natural Gas Price Forecast: Bulls Challenge Major Moving Averages.Natural gas reversed higher after testing major moving average support, but price now confronts key 100-day resistance, with higher targets dependent on breakout confirmation.

Banxico slashes 2026 GDP forecast, sees inflation rising.Banxico slashes 2026 GDP forecast, sees inflation rising

Crude Oil prices a deal the White House calls a lie.Crude Oil prices a deal the White House calls a lie