VT Markets https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Rising Middle East optimism weakens the dollar, lifting silver over 4% and positioning it above $81 DBS economists say China’s Q1 2026 growth hit 5.0%, exports and output strong, demand weak US CFTC data shows S&P 500 non-commercial net positions fell to -115.8K, from -45.7K previously US CFTC non-commercial oil net positions increased, reaching 206.5K after previously standing at 202.2K Japan’s CFTC non-commercial JPY net positions improved to -83.2K, up from -93.7K previous reading Japan’s CFTC non-commercial yen net positions fell to -¥832K, worsening from the prior -¥93.7K CFTC data shows Eurozone euro net non-commercial positions improved to €26K from €-7.5K UK CFTC GBP non-commercial net positions rose, improving from -56.4K to -54.7K contracts US CFTC data shows gold non-commercial net positions increased to 162.5K, previously recorded at 156.3K Australia’s CFTC AUD non-commercial net positions declined, dropping from 70.8K previously to 65.1K Gold climbs above $4,850, gaining 1.5% as Hormuz reopens, easing tensions and weakening the US Dollar Middle East diplomacy lifts risk appetite, weakening the US dollar, aiding Asian currencies, despite elevated short-end yields Markets stay uneasy over Hormuz uncertainty; the Dollar softens near 98.00, constrained by geopolitical risks USD/JPY falls as the yen strengthens, oil prices drop after Hormuz reopens, and the dollar softens DBS expects PBoC to leave the 1-year LPR at 3.00%, while uneven domestic growth contrasts support from exports Waller said he will monitor employment figures for stress, suggesting the labour market’s breakeven is near zero Societe Generale says robust domestic demand should drive CNY towards 6.80, despite softer PBoC fixings USD/CHF slips as Swiss Franc gains, with Iran keeping Hormuz open and deal hopes boosting sentiment VT Markets – Reliable Forex & CFD Broker | VT Markets UBS Chief Economist Paul Donovan says central banks monitor Gulf impacts, prioritising second-round effects over swift policy changes US equities soared after an Israel–Lebanon ceasefire and Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping The S&P 500 continues an uneven B-wave rise, aiming for 7120, as earlier analysis anticipated April rebound timing San Francisco Fed President Daly said rates may stay unchanged while she watches oil costs impacting wider prices Sterling climbed near 1.3600 as Hormuz reopened after Lebanon ceasefire, weakening the US dollar during US trading session Baker Hughes reports the US oil rig count fell slightly, from 411 rigs to 410 rigs GBP/USD climbs towards 1.3600 as Hormuz reopens after Lebanon ceasefire, weakening the US Dollar Gold advances as Hormuz reopens, oil tumbles, easing inflation and boosting expectations of forthcoming Federal Reserve cuts USD/CAD slips to 1.3670 as the US Dollar weakens, Hormuz reopens; Canadian inflation data awaited AUD/USD climbs near 0.7200 as Hormuz reopening calms oil fears, lifting risk appetite and weakening dollar As the dollar weakens, silver rises 5.40% to about $82.60, amid revived Fed cut expectations Following US–Iran peace progress, Iran pledged to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lifting airlines, stocks, sinking oil Trump said Israel was barred from bombing Lebanon, while US B2 bombers would capture Iran’s nuclear dust BNP Paribas economist Hélène Baudchon expects the Iran-war fuel surge to trigger milder inflation than 2022 Netanyahu said Trump insists on maintaining the Hormuz Strait blockade, while Israel pursues a historic Lebanon deal WTI crude drops towards $80, as Iran reopens Hormuz Strait, calming supply concerns after $90 spike Deutsche Bank says political risk drove up 10-year gilt yields after Mandelson’s security clearance was reportedly overruled Nordea analysts expect the ECB to raise rates by 25bp four times from June as inflation persists Markets move on risk sentiment as Iran’s minister says Hormuz shipping stays open during ceasefire period Lagarde told the IMF committee that ECB inflation may exceed expectations outlined in its baseline forecast Commerzbank analysts say the International Copper Study Group expects 2026 deficits and further tightening into 2027 ahead GBP/JPY edges lower as Iran hints at reopening Hormuz, oil falls, and the yen outperforms sterling BBH’s Elias Haddad says markets are consolidating, as investors monitor whether the US-Iran ceasefire endures UOB strategists say GBP/USD reversed near 1.3600, with weaker momentum confining declines to 1.3495–1.3555 range Washington weighs a $20bn Iran agreement, drafting measures to curb uranium enrichment and ease conflict talks ING expects USD/CAD to ease by year-end as Fed cuts weaken the dollar; Canada faces headwinds With Middle East updates awaited, the New Zealand Dollar eases versus the US Dollar, near 0.5885 below 0.5900 UOB strategists say GBP/USD lost momentum after 1.3600, with falls likely limited to 1.3495–1.3555 range In February, Canada’s portfolio investment in foreign securities rose to $25.36B, from $11.39B previously February sees Canada’s foreign portfolio investment in Canadian securities hit $6.17B, far under $23.81B expected USD/CHF slips near 0.7825, pressured by fading haven demand; bearish-flag implies further losses below 0.7790