AUD: RBA hike backs bullish outlook – BNY.AUD: RBA hike backs bullish outlook – BNY

Canadian Dollar outperforms major peers amid surging oil prices.Canadian Dollar outperforms major peers amid surging oil prices

Japan's largest union group Rengo sees average wage hike of 5.26% this fiscal year.For some context, the fiscal year 2025 preliminary figure was 5.46%. That was then watered down to 5.25% once we got the final confirmation of the exact average wage hike.

What are the main events for today?.In the European session, we don't have much on the agenda other than the Spanish trade balance that won't change anything for the markets or the ECB.

US Dollar Index advances to near 100.00 due to strengthening Fed hawkish stance.US Dollar Index advances to near 100.00 due to strengthening Fed hawkish stance

Oil: Escalation risks keep supply anxiety elevated – Rabobank.Oil: Escalation risks keep supply anxiety elevated – Rabobank

Narrative Changes Hands.We woke up to another rough week this morning after a weekend that failed to ease tensions in the Middle East. On the contrary, US President Donald Trump gave an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, otherwise he would “obliterate their power plants.

Trump Sets 48-Hour Deadline for Iran to Reopen Hormuz.In the Middle East, geopolitical tensions are intensifying as ‘Operation Epic Fury' enters its fourth week, with ongoing airstrikes in Tehran this morning. Late on Saturday, Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran's power plants within 48 hours if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, while Iran has vowed counterattacks on US infrastructure across the region.

Markets Enter Countdown Mode as US Ultimatum Raises Escalation Risks, AUD Leads FX Losses.Global markets are entering a critical countdown as tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate ahead of a looming deadline. US President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum has introduced a clear timeline for military action, shifting market dynamics toward event-driven positioning and heightened volatility.

USD/JPY Price Forecast: Approaches 160.00 as US Dollar gains amid Middle East war.USD/JPY Price Forecast: Approaches 160.00 as US Dollar gains amid Middle East war

Australian Dollar Forecast: Will Hormuz Panic Shatter the 0.6944 Support?.AUD/USD breaks below 0.7000 on March 23, 2026, as Trump's Strait of Hormuz ultimatum fuels a US Dollar safe-haven surge. Discover if a 3.9% inflation forecast can save the Aussie from a slide to 0.6907.

Pound Sterling weakens as Middle East tensions drive oil surge and USD safe-haven demand.Pound Sterling weakens as Middle East tensions drive oil surge and USD safe-haven demand

Australian Dollar faces heat from Iran conflicts-led risk-off mood.Australian Dollar faces heat from Iran conflicts-led risk-off mood

BOJ's narrative shift signals dogged commitment to rate hikes.The Bank of Japan is laying the groundwork for tweaks to its policy language in April, keeping alive the chance of ​a near-term interest rate hike as the weak yen and Middle East conflict pile inflationary pressures on the economy.

Singapore Consumer Price Index (YoY) down to 1.2 in February from previous 1.4.Singapore Consumer Price Index (YoY) down to 1.2 in February from previous 1.4

IRGC says ready to respond to any threat with same level of disruption and force.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have come out to say that they will be "determined to respond to any threat at the same level as it creates in terms of deterrence". Adding that if the US decides to "hit electricity, then we will hit electricity".

Indian rupee hits record low as prolonged oil spike pressures economic outlook.The Indian rupee hit a record low against the U.S. dollar, driven by soaring oil prices and Middle East conflict fears. Asian currencies also declined as geopolitical tensions escalated.

GBP/JPY struggles to capitalize on modest intraday uptick, flat lines below mid-212.00s.GBP/JPY struggles to capitalize on modest intraday uptick, flat lines below mid-212.00s

Yields continue to soar higher as inflation fears permeate across markets.It's a brand new week but the main focus in markets stay on the Middle East. The US-Iran conflict drags on further and the latest development is that US president Trump delivered a warning over the weekend for Iran to "reopen" the Strait of Hormuz.

US Dollar Index edges higher above 99.50 on Middle East tensions, hawkish Fed.US Dollar Index edges higher above 99.50 on Middle East tensions, hawkish Fed

investingLive Asia-Pacific news wrap: Trump's 48 hour ultimatum. Iran warns of retaliation.Markets opened the week on edge, dominated by escalating geopolitical tensions following US President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes on key infrastructure. The deadline, set to expire Monday evening in New York, has placed markets on high alert for further escalation.

Rupee hits all-time low of 93.84 vs USD amid Mideast tensions.The Indian rupee hit a record low against the U.S. dollar amid escalating Middle East conflict, raising concerns about energy supply disruptions and impacting Asia's third-largest economy. Asian currencies also declined as geopolitical tensions intensified, with oil prices surging over 50% this month.

India rupee hits record low on escalating Middle East conflict.The Indian rupee fell to a record low on Monday, as ​an escalating Middle East conflict stoked ‌worries over sustained disruption of energy supplies, threatening the outlook for Asia's third-largest economy.

Asian stock markets face bloodbath as Iran threatens indefinite Hormuz closure.Asian stock markets face bloodbath as Iran threatens indefinite Hormuz closure

No relief for under-pressure rupee as Iran–US conflict spirals.The Indian rupee is expected to stay under pressure on Monday after Iran warned of strikes on energy and water infrastructure ​in the Gulf, further stoking worries about oil supplies.

Israel launches new wave of ‘extensive strikes' on Tehran.Israel launches new wave of ‘extensive strikes' on Tehran

WTI hovers around 98.00 due to persistent Middle East supply concerns.WTI hovers around 98.00 due to persistent Middle East supply concerns

Saudi Aramco cuts Asia oil supply for second month in April — Reuters.Saudi Aramco cuts Asia oil supply for second month in April — Reuters

Japanese Yen sticks to modest losses; USD/JPY looks to build on strength beyond 159.50.Japanese Yen sticks to modest losses; USD/JPY looks to build on strength beyond 159.50

Rising Inflation and Iran Conflict Pressure Markets.The ongoing conflict in Iran and concerns about disruption to the Strait of Hormuz continued to pressure financial markets last week. Oil prices remained highly volatile and tested the $100 level several times as traders focused on supply risks.