Risk Aversion Deepens as Fed Highlights Inflation Risks, Downplays Growth Impact.Risk aversion deepened across global markets as the combination of escalating energy conflict and a more inflation-focused Federal Reserve weighed on sentiment. While the initial selloff in US equities overnight was triggered by a sharp spike in oil prices, the late-session decline pointed to a second driver—markets reacting to the Fed's message that inflation risks heightened due to geopolitical uncertainty.

EU pitched for Turkey to join its payments system, envoy says .The European Union pitched ​to Turkey last month the idea that the candidate for bloc membership could join ‌a cost-cutting payments system to boost integration efforts and benefit those sending money abroad, the EU envoy to Ankara told Reuters.

USD: Supported as Fed weighs energy shock – MUFG.USD: Supported as Fed weighs energy shock – MUFG

Australian Dollar Forecast: Will the 4.3% Unemployment Surge Break the Aussie's 0.7000 Floor?.AUD/USD faces a critical breakout at 0.7037 on March 19, 2026, as a “jobs paradox” and a resurgent US Dollar test the 0.7000 floor. Discover if the 4.3% unemployment spike will force a liquidation toward 0.6945.

JPY: BoJ holds but keeps hike option – Commerzbank.JPY: BoJ holds but keeps hike option – Commerzbank

WTI slides to near $96 as US Dollar strengthens, eyes on Middle East tensions.WTI slides to near $96 as US Dollar strengthens, eyes on Middle East tensions

SNB, BoE, ECB Set to Hold as BoE Votes and ECB Guidance Drive Volatility.Three major central bank decisions are due, with Swiss National Bank, Bank of England, and European Central Bank all widely expected to leave policy unchanged. Markets are therefore less focused on the decisions themselves and more on the signals embedded in communication, particularly around inflation risks and policy direction amid the ongoing energy shock.

Morning Bid: Central bankers sound inflation alarm.A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Ankur Banerjee

Netherlands, The Unemployment Rate s.a (3M) increased to 4.1% in February from previous 4%.Netherlands, The Unemployment Rate s.a (3M) increased to 4.1% in February from previous 4%

US explores use of govt insurance in escorting ships through Strait of Hormuz - report.The FT reports on the matter, noting that US president Trump has given his word that the US would insure commercial vessels seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz. And the US administration has looked into how to go about that by exploring plans to tie it with government insurance.

GBP/JPY surrenders modest gains, trades below 212.00 ahead of BoJ presser/BoE decision.GBP/JPY surrenders modest gains, trades below 212.00 ahead of BoJ presser/BoE decision

Oil Prices Surge After Middle East Strikes: Is Crude Heading Toward $150 Next?.Oil prices surge as Middle East tensions and attacks on key energy infrastructure raise supply concerns, while strong technical breakouts and geopolitical risks keep the market biased toward further upside.

US Dollar Index remains subdued near 100.00 despite hawkish Fed outlook.US Dollar Index remains subdued near 100.00 despite hawkish Fed outlook

Investors face cloudier Fed rate view as Iran war grips markets.Investors are facing a cloudier view of U.S. monetary policy in the coming months, with a war in the Middle East muddying the outlook for a Federal Reserve that already was grappling ​with above-target inflation and an uneven labor market.

Japan Capacity Utilization: 2.9% (January) vs 1.3%.Japan Capacity Utilization: 2.9% (January) vs 1.3%

BoJ holds rates, signals further hikes despite temporary inflation dip.Bank of Japan left its policy rate unchanged at around 0.75% as widely expected, and maintained a clear tightening bias, signaling that further rate hikes remain on the table. The decision was passed by an 8–1 vote, with Hajime Takata dissenting in favor of an immediate hike to 1%.

Mixed Australia employment data: Hiring strong, but job quality slips.Australia's labor market delivered a strong headline in February, with employment rising by 48.9k, well above expectations of 20k. However, the details painted a softer picture, as the unemployment rate jumped from 4.1% to 4.3%, exceeding forecasts.

Pound Sterling inches higher ahead of BoE rate decision.Pound Sterling inches higher ahead of BoE rate decision

NZ GDP disappoints at 0.2% as momentum fades into year-end.New Zealand's economy expanded by just 0.2% qoq in Q4, missing expectations of 0.4% qoq and slowing sharply from Q3's 0.9% qoq pace. On an annual basis, GDP rose 0.2% yoy, marking the first year-on-year expansion since the year ended September 2024, but the weak quarterly print highlights fading momentum into the end of the year.

EUR/JPY holds above 183.00 as BoJ keeps rates steady.EUR/JPY holds above 183.00 as BoJ keeps rates steady

USD/JPY Forecast: Yen shrugs off jawboning as pressure builds on BOJ.Hajime Takata dissented again, saying inflation is effectively at target and warning that rising import costs mean the Bank should already be running a higher rate.

Rupee sinks to new low at 92.63 as brent soars to near $110.The Indian rupee hit a new low against the US dollar. This happened after data revealed India paid a high premium for crude oil imports.

investingLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Trump considering sending troops into Iran.Oil markets dominated the session as escalating attacks on energy infrastructure across the Middle East drove sharp gains, before prices pared much of the advance following de-escalatory signals from U.S. President Donald Trump.

First Impressions: NZ GDP, December Quarter 2025.New Zealand's GDP rose by 0.2% in the December quarter. While less than forecast, the figures support the story that the economy was regaining some momentum before the latest oil shock hit.

The FOMC's Steady Hand.Productivity is set to benefit US GDP growth and inflation over the forecast period. Inflation expectations are not a concern for the FOMC, in stark contrast to the RBA.

March FOMC: In the Right Place for Now.Optionality maintained. As expected, the FOMC left the fed funds rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% at its March meeting and was careful not to hint at the timing of future adjustments.

AUD/JPY holds gains to near 112.50 after BoJ keeps rates steady as expected.AUD/JPY holds gains to near 112.50 after BoJ keeps rates steady as expected

BOC Holds Rates at 2.25% As US-Iran War and CUSMA Cloud Outlook.The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate unchanged at 2.25% for the fifth consecutive meeting, citing a deteriorating growth outlook and rising inflation risks stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

Australia's employment jumps in February, jobless rate still rises.Australian employment rose by more than ‌expected in February, though the jobless rate ticked up to a three-month high as more people joined the labour force, a mixed report that failed to provide much clarity for the interest rate outlook.

WTI stays near $98.00 as US permits trade with Venezuela's state oil firm.WTI stays near $98.00 as US permits trade with Venezuela's state oil firm