Commerzbank analyst Michael Pfister notes that the central bank of Norway, Norges Bank is set to decide policy after previously signalling only gradual cuts, making a rate reduction unlikely, especially following the Iran war.
Danske Research Team notes global equities extended gains, with Stoxx 600 up 1.4% and S&P 500 up 0.5% in a geopolitical reversal trade. Cyclicals outperformed defensives, though investors remain only cautiously optimistic.
The USD/CAD pair prolongs its weekly uptrend for the fourth successive day and climbs to over a two-month high during the early European session on Thursday. Spot prices currently trade around the 1.3820 region, up 0.10% for the day, and seem poised to appreciate further.
Sweden Trade Balance (MoM) down to 1.8B in February from previous 6.3B
Sweden Trade Balance (MoM) rose from previous 6.3B to 162B in February
Germany GfK Consumer Confidence Survey came in at -28, below expectations (-26.5) in April
Rabobank strategist Molly Schwartz highlights that the Eurozone is already economically exposed to the conflict via higher energy prices.
ING economists Peter Virovacz and Zoltán Homolya expect the Hungarian Forint to remain volatile as geopolitical tensions and the April 2026 elections weigh on sentiment.
European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker and Bundesbank chief Joachim Nagel said during European trading hours on Thursday that an interest rate hike in the April policy meeting is certainly an option.
DBS Group Research’s Philip Wee notes that Brent remains capped below $100 as markets reassess Iran conflict risks and shift focus toward a potential diplomatic off-ramp.
Asian stock markets face profit-booking on Thursday after rallying in the last two-three trading days.
Commerzbank economists Dr. Henry Hao and Moses Lim note AUD/USD slipped to 0.6950 as Australia faces a stagflationary dilemma. Pre-war core inflation held at 3.3% while a Middle East energy shock could push prices higher.
