Fed Shifts Focus Back to Inflation as Officials See Labor Market in Balance.Federal Reserve officials are signaling a shift in priorities, with the labor market increasingly viewed as “in balance” while inflation risks regain prominence. Comments from Philip Jefferson, Michael Barr, and Lisa Cook highlight a subtle but important pivot: employment conditions are no longer the primary concern, as attention turns back to rising price pressures driven by the Middle East energy shock.

Oil Not a Simple Boost as BoC Rogers Flags Inflation and Growth Risks.Oil is no longer a clean positive for Canada, as a Bank of Canada official warn that the latest energy shock also risks fueling broader inflation rather. Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers said in a speech it is “too early to assess the impacts of the war on growth”, but made clear that higher oil prices will bring both benefits and costs.

Dollar rides haven demand as Middle East talks ring hollow.The dollar pushed higher toward multi-month peaks on Friday ​as investors sought safety in the shadow of an intensifying Middle East war and mounting doubts ‌over any path to de-escalation.

Cliff Notes: A Fork in the Road.In Australia, February's CPI came in slightly below expectations, headline inflation ticking down to 3.7%yr from 3.8%yr, while trimmed mean inflation held steady at 3.3%yr. Constructive elements of the detail included: dwelling purchases posting its smallest increase in ten months; a below-expectations annual increase in education prices; and lower childcare costs, the result of increased take-up of the Childcare Subsidy following the introduction of the three-day guarantee.

Dollar Extends Gains as Fading Ceasefire Prospects Fuel Risk Aversion.The dollar kept firm tone and rose further against its major counterparts on Thursday, following rise in oil prices (Brent bounces back above $100) that sparked fresh wave of risk aversion and fueled demand for safe-haven greenback.

Australian Dollar falls to two-month lows on US–Iran peace uncertainty.Australian Dollar falls to two-month lows on US–Iran peace uncertainty

Fed's Jefferson: Geopolitical tensions pose upside risks to inflation forecast.Fed's Jefferson: Geopolitical tensions pose upside risks to inflation forecast

Fed's Barr: Iran oil price shock could shift inflation expectations and delay rate cuts.Fed's Barr: Iran oil price shock could shift inflation expectations and delay rate cuts

Fed's Miran: Shrinking the size of the balance sheet is desirable.Fed's Miran: Shrinking the size of the balance sheet is desirable

United Kingdom GfK Consumer Confidence above expectations (-24) in March: Actual (-21).United Kingdom GfK Consumer Confidence above expectations (-24) in March: Actual (-21)

Ireland Consumer Confidence dipped from previous 65.2 to 56.7 in March.Ireland Consumer Confidence dipped from previous 65.2 to 56.7 in March

USD/JPY presses toward 160.00 as Crude Oil shock deepens Yen slide.USD/JPY presses toward 160.00 as Crude Oil shock deepens Yen slide

Asian FX: Weak footing persists despite pause – OCBC.Asian FX: Weak footing persists despite pause – OCBC

Undeterred by war, South Korean day traders double down on world-beating KOSPI.Twenty-four-year-old Kim Min-sung's gruelling schedule begins with ​intensive classes at Seoul's Korea Foreign Language University followed by late nights at the library as he prepares for the notoriously competitive national ‌diplomatic exam, a traditional path to a lucrative, secure foreign-service career.

PHP: Energy shock risks and BSP stance – DBS.PHP: Energy shock risks and BSP stance – DBS

GBP/JPY Price Forecast: Stalls at 213.00 as bearish flag looms.GBP/JPY Price Forecast: Stalls at 213.00 as bearish flag looms

Singapore: Growth risks tilt lower – UOB.Singapore: Growth risks tilt lower – UOB

Japanese Yen Price Action Setups: USD/JPY, GBP/JPY, AUD/JPY.Japanese yen pairs are approaching key inflection points, with USD/JPY capped below 160, GBP/JPY testing resistance near 213, and AUD/JPY rolling over towards support. While the broader bias still leans bullish for yen crosses, near-term price action suggests traders may first need to navigate a period of consolidation or pullback before the next directional move unfolds.

APAC FX: Inflation channel and valuation gaps – BNY.APAC FX: Inflation channel and valuation gaps – BNY

Financial & Forex Market Recap: March 26, 2026.Risk-off sentiment swept markets on Thursday as fading US-Iran ceasefire hopes drove oil higher, hammered equities and gold, and lifted the dollar to its best daily performance.

New Zealand ANZ – Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence dipped from previous 100.1 to 91.3 in March.New Zealand ANZ – Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence dipped from previous 100.1 to 91.3 in March

Crude Oil Price Forecast: Bulls Eye Higher Range as Support Holds.WTI crude oil shows short-term bullish momentum, trading between key 10- and 20-day moving averages. A breakout above $96.44 or breakdown below $90.49 will set the next move.

South Korea BOK Manufacturing BSI down to 71 in April from previous 77.South Korea BOK Manufacturing BSI down to 71 in April from previous 77

Trading Day: Sell everything (except oil).The price of stocks, bonds and gold fell sharply on Thursday while oil surged, as fading hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East reignited inflation fears and left investors approaching the quarter end in a deeply gloomy mood.

Natural Gas Price Forecast: Breakdown Signals Point Lower.Natural gas shows increasing bearish pressure as trendline breaks and weakening momentum put key support levels at risk, signaling potential for a deeper corrective decline.

US President Trump delays Iran energy plant strike at Iran's request.US President Trump delays Iran energy plant strike at Iran's request

South Korea: Oil shock lifts inflation outlook – Standard Chartered.South Korea: Oil shock lifts inflation outlook – Standard Chartered

China: Growth trimmed, inflation lifted – ABN AMRO.China: Growth trimmed, inflation lifted – ABN AMRO

Banxico's unexpectedly cut rates by 25 basis points to 6.75%.Banxico's unexpectedly cut rates by 25 basis points to 6.75%

US Dollar Index rises for third straight day as safe-haven demand stretches.US Dollar Index rises for third straight day as safe-haven demand stretches