ING’s Chief Economist for Greater China, Lynn Song, highlights that Taiwan’s March trade data far exceeded expectations, with exports and imports surging and the trade surplus more than doubling year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.
Gold (XAU/USD) price remains steady on Friday, poised to finish the week with gains of almost 2% as the US Dollar tumbles amid optimism about Iran-US talks in Pakistan throughout the weekend. Also, a mildly high US inflation report trimmed the Federal Reserve's (Fed) dovish bets for 2026.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell toward the 98.60 price region as markets digest the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which confirmed that inflation remains stubbornly elevated, largely driven by energy prices amid war in the Middle East.
DBS Group Research expects the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to slightly increase the slope of the Singapore Dollar (SGD) Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) policy band at its 14 April meeting, reversing last year’s easing.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) trades under pressure against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, with USD/JPY trimming most of its losses from earlier in the week as ongoing Oil supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions keep a lid on the Yen’s recovery despite a softer Greenback.
United States Monthly Budget Statement registered at $-164B, below expectations ($-156.75B) in March
United States Baker Hughes US Oil Rig Count up to 411 from previous 409
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) slumps around 300 points on Friday, or roughly 0.6%, retreating from the 48,000 handle after two sessions of ceasefire-fueled gains.
GBP/USD climbs on Friday as risk appetite improves ahead of the start of US-Iran talks in Pakistan. Meanwhile, US inflation rose as expected in March, but traders seem confident it's a one-time jump as they remain optimistic about Middle East peace negotiations.
USD/CAD reverses earlier losses on Friday, as uncertainty surrounding upcoming US-Iran negotiations keeps markets cautious and overshadows US inflation and Canadian employment data, keeping price action volatile.
The AUD/USD pair steadies on Friday, posting a slight decline after a four-day strike of gains, trading with a cautious tone amid fresh data releases in the US and geopolitical risks.
Russia Consumer Price Index (MoM) above expectations (0.5%) in March: Actual (0.6%)
