Yen under pressure as focus turns to BOJ after Fed holds
CNBC
The yen neared a two-year low at the start of trading in Asia on Thursday, as markets awaited for how the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision.
The yen teetered on the cusp of a two-year low at the start of trading in Asia on Thursday, pressured by a firmer dollar as markets watched for how the Bank of Japan will balance inflation risks against slowing growth in the shadow of the Iran conflict.
The yen was up 0.1% at 159.78, edging back from its weakest levels in two years as Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said that authorities are on heightened alert for currency market volatility and that recent movements have been driven partly by speculators.
The Bank of Japan's decision set for later in the day comes midway through a pivotal week of major central bank meetings, as traders hunt for clues on how policymakers will respond to the energy price shock.
European stocks are set to rebound as traders continue to watch developments in the Middle East.
European stocks are expected to start the new trading week heavily lower as traders track developments in the Middle East and a surge in oil prices.
Brent futures spiked 16.1% to last trade at $107.61, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose almost 17.7% to $107.02
Gold prices rose on Friday as investors sought safe-haven bullion on heightened uncertainty over a widening Middle East conflict.
Overnight, oil prices broke through the $80 per barrel mark, with Brent futures up 3.54% and last trading at $84.31.
European stocks are expected to open in mixed territory again on Thursday as markets following unsettling geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
European stocks are expected to open in mixed territory on Wednesday as markets continue to track developments in the Middle East.
European stocks are expected to open firmly in negative territory Tuesday as the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East continues to weigh on market sentiment.
Gold prices rose for a fifth consecutive session on Tuesday, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid an escalating U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran.
The yen and euro were lower on Tuesday as the widening Middle East conflict focused attention on countries dependent on energy imports.
Oil prices continue to rise Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz,
European stocks are expected to start the new trading week firmly in negative territory.
Oil prices jumped to their highest levels in months on Monday as Iran and Israel escalated attacks in the Middle East, disrupting shipments from the region.