West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude benchmark, was trading around $63.50 during the Asian session on Friday (4/18). WTI prices rose to a two-week high amid hopes for a trade deal between the United States and the European Union and new US sanctions on Iran. Trading volumes are likely to be light on Good Friday. US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Washington, signaling hopes for a resolution to the trade dispute that has strained US-European relations. "We're not going to have much trouble making a deal with Europe or anybody else, because we...
USD/CHF edged lower during Asian trading hours on Friday (4/18), hovering around 0.8180, after posting gains in the previous session. The currency pair came under pressure as the US dollar weakened amid growing concerns over the economic impact of US tariffs. Market activity remained subdued due to the Good Friday holiday. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that persistent inflation coupled with a slowing economy could jeopardize the Fed's dual mandate, raising the specter of stagflation. Sentiment was further dented after former President Trump criticized Powell's recent...
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the US Dollar (USD) against a basket of six major currencies, is remaining below 99.50 during the early European hours on Friday. The Greenback remains subdued amid growing concerns over the economic impact of tariffs on the United States (US). Market participants are closely monitoring developments in US trade negotiations, although trading activity is expected to be subdued due to the Good Friday holiday. However, the US Dollar gained some support after hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who cautioned that a sluggish...