The EUR/USD pair faces slight pressure near 1.1550 during the European trading session on Wednesday after a two-day recovery move. The major currency pair struggles as the US Dollar strives to regain ground ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policy announcement at 18:00 GMT.
OCBC strategists Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong revise their Brent Oil profile higher as the US–Iran conflict keeps the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut and Oil flows near a standstill.
Deutsche Bank analysts highlight that Brent Oil remains above $100 but daily trading ranges have narrowed, signalling some easing in volatility.
The NZD/USD pair strives to extend its recovery move above 0.5870 during the European trading session on Wednesday. The Kiwi trades higher as the US Dollar (USD) struggles to gain ground ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policy announcement at 18:00 GMT.
Societe Generale economists expect the BoC to keep its policy rate at 2.25%, despite weaker employment and lower CPI. Markets now price about 33 bps of tightening by year-end after the Iran conflict.
USD/JPY remains under pressure for a third straight session, trading near 159.00 during Asian hours on Wednesday.
The Bank of Canada (BoC) is widely expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at 2.25% at its Wednesday meeting, effectively extending the pause it signalled back in January.
MUFG’s Derek Halpenny expects the FOMC to keep policy options open, with limited changes to the Summary of Economic Projections and no alteration to the median dot profile. MUFG anticipates balanced Fed communication and subdued FX and rates volatility.
ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey report that Gold is trading in a narrow range as the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran extends. A firmer Dollar and higher real yields offset safe‑haven demand from Middle East tensions.
Danske Research Team highlights that USD/CAD remains confined between 1.36 and 1.37 as risk-off sentiment offsets support from Canada’s net energy exporter status.
ING strategist Francesco Pesole argues that a hawkish revision of the Federal Reserve Dot Plot could support the Dollar, with markets already pricing limited cuts.
According to UOB’s Quek Ser Leang, GBP/USD rebounded to 1.3364 and may edge higher toward 1.3410, though a clear break above that level is seen as unlikely given only modest momentum. Intraday, gains are expected to stay below 1.3390, with support at 1.3335 and 1.3320.
