Market News

The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues to remain at the receiving when compared to the US Dollar (USD) as a new week begins in Asia on Monday.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) trades lower against its major currency peers at the start of the week, trading 0.27% lower to near 0.6850 against the US Dollar (USD) in the opening trade.

Here’s a brief recap of important developments that occurred over the weekend as the Middle East war enters its fifth week, with no signs of any truce.

DBS Group Research economist Chua Han Teng highlights that Thailand’s financial markets, particularly the Thai Baht (THB) and equities, are under pressure due to vulnerability to Middle East conflict-related commodity shocks.

UOB’s Global Economics & Markets Research, via Julia Goh and Loke Siew Ting, notes that the central bank of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) kept the RRP (Reverse Repurchase Rate) rate at 4.25% in an off-cycle meeting as supply-driven inflation and Middle East risks intensify.

Silver (XAG/USD) price turns positive on Friday after posting back-to-back bearish sessions, as heightened tensions in the Middle East decreased the white metal’s safe-haven appeal, prompting traders to turn to the US Dollar (USD).

Commerzbank economists Dr. Henry Hao and Volkmar Baur say China’s industrial profits surged early in 2026, led by AI-related electronics, but this strength predates the recent energy shock.

United Kingdom CFTC GBP NC Net Positions climbed from previous £-65.5K to £-58.4K

Japan CFTC JPY NC Net Positions: ¥-62.8K vs ¥-67.8K

United States CFTC Gold NC Net Positions climbed from previous $159.9K to $168.3K

United States CFTC S&P 500 NC Net Positions climbed from previous $-113.1K to $-80.9K

United States CFTC Oil NC Net Positions rose from previous 218.7K to 233.6K