Currency Hedger No Comments

AUD/USD remains under pressure as geopolitical risks support the US Dollar

  • AUD/USD trades around 0.6920, holding near its lowest level since early February.
  • The US Dollar is supported by safe-haven demand and rising US Treasury yields.
  • Markets largely ignore the RBA’s hawkish tone, reinforcing the bearish outlook.

AUD/USD trades around 0.6920 on Thursday at the time of writing, down 0.35% on the day, and remains close to its monthly lows amid a bearish consolidation phase. The pair struggles to stage any meaningful rebound as the US Dollar (USD) continues to draw solid support.

Market sentiment remains fragile despite conciliatory remarks from US President Donald Trump, as Iran has rejected any prospect of negotiations and dismissed a ceasefire proposal. Persistent tensions in the Middle East, combined with additional US troop deployments, are fueling fears of further escalation. In this context, the US Dollar benefits from its safe-haven status, weighing on the Australian Dollar (AUD).

At the same time, the energy situation is adding to global inflationary pressures. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is pushing Oil prices higher, reinforcing expectations that major central banks, including the Federal Reserve (Fed), will maintain a hawkish stance. This dynamic is driving US Treasury yields higher, further supporting the Greenback.

On the domestic front, comments from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Assistant Governor Christopher Kent failed to provide support to the currency. Although he highlighted inflation risks linked to rising energy prices and stressed the need to maintain restrictive monetary conditions, the market reaction remained muted. This lack of traction reflects growing concerns about the domestic economic outlook.

According to economists at Commerzbank, Australia is facing a stagflation dilemma, with slowing growth and energy-driven inflation pressures. They note that consumer confidence has dropped sharply while Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) indicators have slipped into contraction territory, complicating the central bank’s policy path. Markets still price in around a 54% chance of a rate hike in May, according to the economists.

Over the longer term, Rabobank maintains a more constructive view. The bank argues that Australia’s status as a net energy exporter could support its terms of trade in the current environment, potentially allowing AUD/USD to return to the 0.71 area over a three- to six-month horizon, and to 0.72 over twelve months.

In the near term, however, the combination of a resilient US Dollar driven by safe-haven flows, elevated US yields, and a lack of supportive domestic catalysts suggests that the bearish bias for the pair is likely to persist.

Australian Dollar Price Today

The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the strongest against the New Zealand Dollar.

USDEURGBPJPYCADAUDNZDCHF
USD0.08%-0.03%0.05%0.12%0.31%0.27%0.13%
EUR-0.08%-0.11%-0.06%0.03%0.23%0.19%0.05%
GBP0.03%0.11%0.09%0.16%0.34%0.30%0.16%
JPY-0.05%0.06%-0.09%0.07%0.26%0.21%0.08%
CAD-0.12%-0.03%-0.16%-0.07%0.20%0.15%0.01%
AUD-0.31%-0.23%-0.34%-0.26%-0.20%-0.04%-0.15%
NZD-0.27%-0.19%-0.30%-0.21%-0.15%0.04%-0.14%
CHF-0.13%-0.05%-0.16%-0.08%-0.01%0.15%0.14%

The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).

Currency Hedger No Comments

Trade of The Day – EUR/USD

Facts:

  • The EUR/USD exchange rate failed to break above the 200-day EMA
  • The price remains below the 50-, 100-, and 200-day exponential moving averages (EMA)

Recommendation: 

Trade: Short position on the EUR/USD pair at market price

Take Profit 1: 1,14850

Take Profit 2: 1,14240

Stop: 1.16415
 

Opinion:

The EUR/USD pair failed to break above the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA), which is a key technical signal confirming the euro’s continued weakness against the dollar. The price remains below the 50-, 100-, and 200-day EMAs, creating a classic bearish pattern—each of these moving averages currently acts as dynamic resistance, pushing the price back down on subsequent attempts to rebound. A stop-loss set at 1.16415 marks the zone where this pattern would be negated and would force a revision of the scenario.

Fundamental and geopolitical context

Iran’s rejection of the U.S. peace plan signals that tensions in the Middle East may persist for much longer than the market had originally anticipated. Such a scenario favors a steady inflow of capital into the dollar, a traditional safe-haven currency, and growing geopolitical uncertainty, combined with expectations of a return of inflationary pressure, creates solid foundations for a medium-term appreciation of the USD. Although the scale of the recent USD strengthening remains relatively moderate, historical analogies suggest that in similar, multi-vector crises, the dollar has tended to strengthen further.

Methodology and assumptions:


This recommendation is based on a technical analysis of the EURUSD chart. Classical technical analysis was used to assess the situation and analyze the trend. The target level—take profit 1—was set at the level of previous price reactions, using price action methodology. Take profit 2, on the other hand, is based on the location of this month’s local low. The protective stop-loss order was set above the most recent local high using price action methodology.

Currency Hedger No Comments

USD/CHF edges up to near 0.7925 as US Dollar remains firm amid Middle East uncertainty

  • USD/CHF ticks higher to near 0.7925 as the US Dollar continues to trade firmly.
  • Iran called Trump’s 15-point plan “extremely maximalist and unreasonable”.
  • The SNB could intervene against excessive appreciation in the Swiss Franc.

The USD/CHF pair ticks higher to near 0.7925 during the European trading session on Thursday. The Swiss Franc pair gains as the US Dollar (USD) holds onto gains amid growing doubts over an early ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran, following the release of Tehran’s conditions.

During the press time, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, trades firmly near Wednesday’s high around 99.70.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Tehran has also called for a new order in the Strait of Hormuz that would allow it to collect transit fees, as well as guarantees that the war would not restart, an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, and no interference in Tehran pursuing missile program. In response, a US official has described the demands as “ridiculous and unrealistic”.

Before Tehran’s conditions, US President Donald Trump proposes a month-long ceasefire and a 15-point settlement plan delivered through Pakistan to Iran, which was rejected by Tehran, calling it “extremely maximalist and unreasonable”, by a senior Iranian official while speaking with Al Jazeera.

The uncertainty over the outlook of the Middle East war is expected to keep underpinning the demand for safe-haven assets, such as the US Dollar.

Meanwhile, the Swiss Franc (CHF) trades almost flat against its major currency peers, while the Swiss National Bank (SNB) has expressed readiness to intervene in foreign markets against excessive appreciation in the domestic currency.

SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel said in his press conference post the monetary policy announcement, “We have increased our readiness to intervene in forex markets to dampen rapid Swiss Franc appreciation.”

Currency Hedger No Comments

GBP moves little as uncertainty prevails over US-Iran peace talks

  • GBP/USD steadies as the US Dollar holds firm amid ongoing uncertainty over efforts to end the Iran war.
  • Iranian officials are reviewing the US proposal but signaled no willingness to engage in talks with Washington.
  • UOB economist highlighted a hawkish BoE shift, holding the Bank Rate at 3.75% after a 9–0 vote.

GBP/USD remains flat after two days of losses, hovering around 1.3360 during the Asian trading hours on Thursday. The pair remains steady as the US Dollar (USD) holds firm, with traders closely tracking developments in the Middle East amid persistent uncertainty over efforts to end the Iran war.

The White House stated that talks are ongoing, with the Trump administration reportedly sending a 15-point proposal to Iran via Pakistan to resolve the conflict. Senior Iranian officials are reviewing the US proposal but have signaled no willingness to engage in talks with Washington. However, Tehran indicated it would reject a US ceasefire offer, instead putting forward a five-point plan that includes sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pound Sterling (GBP) may find support from easing oil prices amid hopes of de-escalating Middle East tensions. UK inflation data for February showed headline CPI steady at 3%, in line with expectations, while core CPI edged higher to 3.2%, surpassing the 3.1% forecast. However, these pre-conflict figures had a limited impact on market sentiment.

UOB economist Lee Sue Ann pointed to a hawkish shift by the Bank of England (BoE), with the Bank Rate held at 3.75% following a unanimous 9–0 vote. The report removes earlier expectations for three rate cuts in 2026, now projecting the GBP Repo Rate to remain at 3.75% through the fourth quarter of 2026 as inflation risks persist.

Currency Hedger No Comments

Japanese Yen hangs near YTD low vs. USD amid Middle East tensions, intervention fears

  • USD/JPY bulls pause for a breather amid fears of JPY intervention, though the downside appears limited.
  • War-driven economic concerns continue to undermine the JPY and lend support to the currency pair.
  • Inflation fears and hawkish Fed bets underpin the USD, further acting as a tailwind for the spot prices.

The USD/JPY pair consolidates around mid-159.00s during the Asian session on Thursday and remains within striking distance of its highest level since July 2024, touched earlier this month.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues with its relative underperformance amid concerns that the war-driven surge in energy prices would weigh on Japan’s trade balance and economic outlook. Furthermore, a sustained increase in Oil prices would drive up inflation and create a classic stagflationary environment, complicating the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) normalization efforts. This, along with the underlying US Dollar (USD) bullish sentiment, acts as a tailwind for the USD/JPY pair.

Iran’s foreign minister said on Wednesday that Tehran is reviewing a US proposal to end the war but has no intention of holding talks to wind down the widening Middle East conflict. Furthermore, the deployment of additional US troops in the region points to the risk of a further escalation of the conflict and overshadows US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire rhetoric. Apart from this, hawkish US Federal Reserve (Fed) expectations benefit the USD and support the USD/JPY pair.

In fact, traders have nearly priced out the possibility of any further rate cuts by the Fed and are rapidly increasing bets for a hike by the end of this year. The hawkish outlook, along with persistent geopolitical uncertainties, continues to underpin the USD’s global reserve currency status and suggests that the path of least resistance for the USD/JPY pair is to the upside. However, intervention fears hold back the JPY bears from placing fresh bets and cap the upside for spot prices.

Currency Hedger No Comments

USD/CAD extends rally to near 1.3830 amid uncertainty over Middle East conflicts

  • USD/CAD rallies further to near 1.3830 as investors remain on edge amid Middle East conflicts.
  • The Fed is unlikely to deliver any dovish monetary policy adjustment this year.
  • Higher oil prices are expected to keep the Canadian Dollar broadly on the front foot.

The USD/CAD pair extends its winning streak for the fourth trading day on Thursday and jumps to near 1.3830 during the Asian trading session, the highest level seen in two months.

The Loonie pair trades firmly as the US Dollar (USD) rises amid uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East, which involves the United States (US), Israel, and Iran. As of writing, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, holds onto Wednesday’s gains around 99.65.

The safe-haven demand of the US Dollar remains firm as Iran continues to push back hopes of de-escalation in Middle East conflicts, stating that it is not directly involved in negotiations with the US.

Regarding the month-long ceasefire proposal and 15-point settlement plan, Iran said that the Pakistan-delivered proposal was excessive and demanded sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official said talks could be held in Pakistan or Turkey if they proceed, Reuters reports.

On the domestic front, traders remain confident that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will not cut interest rates this year, as surging energy prices have de-anchored inflation expectations.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Dollar (CAD) underperforms its major currency peers, except antipodeans, as investors remain on edge amid the Middle East war. However, the broader outlook of the Loonie remains firm amid higher oil prices.

Given that Canada is a net oil exporter, higher oil prices due to an energy supply shock is a favorable situation for the Canadian Dollar.

Currency Hedger No Comments

NZD/USD trades with caution near 0.5800 as Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal

  • NZD/USD remains on the edge around 0.5800 as Iran wants the US to fulfil its demands before ceasefire talks.
  • Major demands from Iran include the guarantee of a total end to the war, and the closure of US bases in the Middle East.
  • RBNZ’s Breman said that monetary policy adjustments could be done on either side.

The NZD/USD pair trades cautiously near 0.5800 during the Asian trading session on Thursday. The Kiwi is under pressure as Iran’s rejection to ceasefire proposal and 15-point settlement plan by United States (US) President Donald Trump has raised concerns over hopes of de-escalation in Middle East conflicts.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Tehran doesn’t see the truce and talks as viable in current conditions. Also, Iran demands completion of its key demand before involving in direct talks with Washington, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, which includes the closure of all US bases in the Gulf, reparations for attacks, lifting all sanctions, allowing Iran to retain its missile program without restrictions, and the recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Uncertainty surrounding the outlook of the war in the Middle East has improved the demand for safe-haven assets, such as the US Dollar (USD). As of writing, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, clings to Wednesday’s gains around 99.65.

In addition to heightened geopolitical tensions, firm expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will not commit any dovish monetary policy adjustment this year are also keeping the US Dollar on the front foot.

In New Zealand (NZ), the central bank has warned of high inflation and has kept the likelihood of monetary policy adjustment on either side. “We don’t want to react too soon to inflationary pressures that we can do little about, but we don’t want to wait too long in case we see those inflationary pressures becoming more-long lasting, Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Anna Breman said earlier this week, Reuters reports, and added, “I will not rule out either rate hikes or rate cuts because of the uncertainty in the global environment.”

Currency Hedger No Comments

AUD moves little following RBA’s Kent cautious remarks

  • AUD/USD remains silent after RBA’s Christopher Kent warned of inflation risks from rising energy prices.
  • The Australian Dollar struggled after softer domestic inflation data on Wednesday.
  • The US Dollar holds firm as markets track Middle East developments, with uncertainty over efforts to resolve the Iran conflict.

AUD/USD steadies after two days of losses, trading around 0.6950 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The pair trades flat as the Australian Dollar (AUD) stays steady. This follows Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Assistant Governor Christopher Kent’s warning that policymakers may need to contain inflation amid rising energy prices. Kent also noted the board will target low, stable inflation and full employment. This may lift short-run neutral rates and require tighter policy.

However, the Australian Dollar weakened after softer domestic inflation data on Wednesday. Australia’s annual CPI slowed to 3.7% in February from 3.8% in January. The trimmed mean CPI came in at 3.3%, below the 3.4% forecast and in line with January’s revised figure.

Meanwhile, the AUD/USD pair remains subdued as the US Dollar (USD) holds firm. Markets are watching Middle East developments closely, with uncertainty surrounding efforts to end the Iran conflict.

The White House said talks are ongoing, with the Trump administration reportedly sending a 15-point proposal to Iran via Pakistan. Senior Iranian officials are reviewing the proposal but show little willingness to engage with Washington. Tehran is also expected to reject a US ceasefire offer, instead proposing a five-point plan that includes sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz.