investingLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Oil rebounds after sharp drop.Oil prices clawed back part of the prior session's sharp losses, which had followed US President Donald Trump's decision to delay planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after describing talks with Tehran as “productive.” However, Iran denied any negotiations had taken place, calling the reports false, while the rebound in crude was also supported by fresh headlines of strikes on gas-related facilities in Isfahan.

Australian Dollar underperforms as Iran pushes back hopes of peace talks.Australian Dollar underperforms as Iran pushes back hopes of peace talks

Rupee to rise on oil pullback after Trump signals talks; Iran denial clouds outlook.The Indian rupee is poised to rise at the open on Tuesday, boosted by the dip in oil prices after U.S. President Donald Trump ​hinted at talks about a resolution with Iran, although Tehran's ‌denial of any talks kept uncertainty high.

AUD/JPY falls to near 110.50 following Israeli strikes on Tehran.AUD/JPY falls to near 110.50 following Israeli strikes on Tehran

Japan core CPI falls to 1.7% in February, as energy costs drag inflation lower.Japan's inflation slowed further in February, with core CPI (ex-fresh food) easing from 2.0% yoy to 1.6% yoy, below expectations of 1.7% yoy. The drop pushed core inflation below the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the first time in nearly four years, largely reflecting government measures to curb electricity costs.

Japan PMI composite falls to 52.5, war lifts costs and hits sentiment.Japan's private sector growth lost momentum in March as PMI data showed a broad-based slowdown across both manufacturing and services. PMI Manufacturing fell from 53.0 to 51.4, PMI Services eased from 53.8 to 52.8, and PMI Composite declined from 53.9 to 52.5, pointing to softer expansion after a strong start to the year.

US Dollar Index (DXY) approaches mid-99.00s amid fading Iran de-escalation hopes.US Dollar Index (DXY) approaches mid-99.00s amid fading Iran de-escalation hopes

Australia PMI composite falls to 47, cost inflation hits 3-yr high on Middle East conflict.Australia's private sector slipped into contraction in March as PMI data signaled a sharp deterioration in activity. PMI Manufacturing edged down from 51.0 to 50.1.

RBNZ's Breman warns of inflation spike but cautions against overreaction.RBNZ Governor Anna Breman warned that the Middle East conflict is likely to push New Zealand's economy into a more challenging environment of higher inflation and weaker growth. Speaking today, she said policymakers expect “higher headline inflation over the near term, and somewhat weaker growth momentum,” highlighting the stagflationary nature of the shock stemming from elevated energy prices and global uncertainty.

RBNZ Governor Breman Speaks on Middle East War.Governor Breman emphasized that the RBNZ would be focused on medium-term inflation pressures, and that for now there's little evidence these have lifted to suggest a need for near-term OCR hikes.

Dollar nurses losses as markets weigh Trump delay in Iran strikes.The dollar nursed steep losses against major ​currencies on Tuesday in a wild start to the week after U.S. President Donald Trumpdelayed the ‌bombing of Iran's power grid, a move that allayed fear of a prolonged war in the Middle East.

Japan's Takaichi says to start releasing national oil reserves from Thursday.Japan's Takaichi says to start releasing national oil reserves from Thursday

Japanese Yen softens as CPI inflation cools to four-year low in February.Japanese Yen softens as CPI inflation cools to four-year low in February

WTI rises back above mid-$90.00s amid Middle East tensions and supply risks.WTI rises back above mid-$90.00s amid Middle East tensions and supply risks

Japan finance minister says ready to act 'on all fronts' after report on oil futures intervention.Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the government ​is prepared to take ‌all necessary measures "on all fronts", but did not comment directly on ​the possibility of Japan ​intervening in the crude oil futures ⁠market.

Israel launches fresh strikes on Tehran as Trump pauses Iran energy attacks.Israel launches fresh strikes on Tehran as Trump pauses Iran energy attacks

Japan's Katayama says plan to compile temporary budget for 11 days.Japan's Katayama says plan to compile temporary budget for 11 days

Shares rally, oil retreats as Trump extends Iran ultimatum.Asian stocks rallied, oil prices nursed losses and the dollar wobbled on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed the bombing ​of Iran's power grid, allaying fear of a deeper energy shock.

EU and Australia agree to trade deal to boost ties — Bloomberg.EU and Australia agree to trade deal to boost ties — Bloomberg

Japan March 2026 flash PMI slows as growth momentum cools and cost pressures rise.Japan's private sector continued to expand in March, but at a slower pace, as both manufacturing and services activity lost momentum amid rising cost pressures and growing geopolitical uncertainty.

EU and Australia strike trade deal slashing tariffs, boosting exports and ties.The European Union and Australia have reached agreement on a comprehensive free trade deal, significantly reducing tariffs and deepening economic ties at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global trade dynamics.

Fed's Daly: No single most likely path for monetary policy.Fed's Daly: No single most likely path for monetary policy

RBNZ's Breman says will see higher inflation over the near term, some growth impact.RBNZ's Breman says will see higher inflation over the near term, some growth impact

EUR/AUD, GBP/AUD, AUD/JPY: Trump pause sparks trend breaks across AUD crosses.Donald Trump delivered another classic ‘TACO' backflip on Monday, announcing a five-day pause on planned attacks on Iranian power infrastructure due to apparent progress in negotiations between the two sides. The move sparked a sharp reversal in crude and broader energy markets, taking some of the heat out of a trade that had driven clear outperformance in commodity-linked currencies, including the Aussie, against major energy importers.

Australia's S&P Global Manufacturing PMI eases to 50.1 in March.Australia's S&P Global Manufacturing PMI eases to 50.1 in March

US Dollar Index reverses sharply on Iran de-escalation hopes.US Dollar Index reverses sharply on Iran de-escalation hopes

Australia flash PMI slips into contraction as services slump and cost pressures surge.Australia's flash PMI shows a return to contraction, with services-led weakness and surging cost pressures highlighting a stagflationary backdrop.

Australia S&P Global Composite PMI: 47 (March) vs previous 52.4.Australia S&P Global Composite PMI: 47 (March) vs previous 52.4

Australia S&P Global Services PMI declined to 46.6 in March from previous 52.8.Australia S&P Global Services PMI declined to 46.6 in March from previous 52.8

Economic and event calendar in Asia Tuesday, March 24, 2026 0 Japan inflation data.Japan's national inflation data for February is due later today, with the release expected to mirror the softer tone seen in the Tokyo CPI figures earlier in the month. The Tokyo data showed underlying price pressures moderating, with core inflation slipping back below the Bank of Japan's 2% target.