Monthly Archives: April 2026
Standard Chartered economists say Hong Kong’s SME index dropped to 43.3 in Q2 amid oil prices, Middle East tensions
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:51 am, by josephine
Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong SME index slipped to 43.3 in Q2, signalling weaker sentiment amid oil-price tensions.
Min Joo Kang says South Korea’s Q1 2026 GDP rose 1.7%, lifting 2026 growth forecast to 2.8%
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:37 am, by josephine
South Korea’s 1Q26 GDP jumped on chips and AI; 2Q slowdown looms amid energy disruptions, inflation.
Middle East tensions cooled risk demand, pushing GBP/JPY from 215.70 towards 215.00, with 216.00 rejected
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:34 am, by josephine
GBP/JPY retreats to 215.06, capped below 216.00; RSI cools, 215.00 break risks 214.00.
UOB economists say BSP began tightening, raised the RRP rate to 4.50%, supporting PHP and hinting more hikes
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:31 am, by josephine
BSP raised RRP to 4.50%, signaled more hikes; UOB sees 5.00% by end-2026. Inflation forecasts higher.
Amid strong US data and Middle East tensions, the dollar index holds near two-week highs, extending gains
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:29 am, by josephine
DXY holds near 98.70 on strong US data, geopolitics; oil rises, gold slips, majors mixed.
Philip Wee of DBS Research says Asian currencies consolidate cautiously as War Powers deadline nears, USD/CNY flattens
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:26 am, by josephine
Currency markets consolidate ahead of April 28 deadline; USD/CNY steadies as geopolitical tensions keep traders cautious.
Gold hovers near $4,700 as rising yields and Middle East tensions unsettle markets amid White House talks
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:23 am, by josephine
Gold slips to $4,716 as yields rise; Mideast tensions, strong PMIs shift Fed cuts outlook, supports watched.
Risk aversion grew as Iran denied Ghalibaf’s exit from talks, pushing US-session crude prices higher
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:21 am, by josephine
Headline claimed Iranian negotiator resigned, spiking oil and dollar; denials followed, while Trump-Iran rhetoric fueled uncertainty.
WTI rises for a fourth session as Hormuz strife and Ghalibaf rumours raise supply and negotiation worries
Written on April 24, 2026 at 1:26 am, by josephine
WTI crude rose for fourth day as Hormuz tensions escalated, blockade threats grew, and Iran talks stalled.
Standard Chartered’s Dan Pan expects BCB to keep easing cautiously, cutting 25bps in late April amid inflation risks
Written on April 24, 2026 at 1:23 am, by josephine
Dan Pan sees Brazil’s central bank cutting rates 25bps, cautiously, as inflation risks stay high.
