Forex News
- EUR/USD gains traction to near 1.1445 in Monday’s early European session.
- The pair keeps the bearish vibe under the 100-day SMA, with RSI remaining below the midline.
- The first upside barrier emerges at 1.1470; the initial support level to watch is 1.1415.
The EUR/USD pair trades in positive territory around 1.1445 during the early European trading hours on Monday, bolstered by a hawkish tone from the European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB is expected to hold interest rates on ThThursday butill hike for the second time this year in September as a renewed energy price surge raises the risk of more intense inflation pressures, according to Reuters.
However, escalating tensions in the Middle East could boost safe-haven flows, supporting the US Dollar (USD) against the Euro (EUR). Bloomberg reported that the US has launched the ninth night of Iran strikes, with Washington saying that airstrikes on Sunday aimed to "punish" Iran over the first US military deaths since renewed hostilities with the Islamic Republic began.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the Strait of Hormuz will not be safe for petrochemical products or 'single drop of oil and gas' transit as long as US actions in the region continue.
Technical Analysis:
In the daily chart, EUR/USD keeps a bearish near-term tone as it holds beneath the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). Price sits just under the upper Bollinger Band near, hinting that the latest bounce is running into overhead supply, while the middle Bollinger Band offers nearby dynamic support. The Relative Strength Index (14) at roughly 48 remains below the neutral 50 line, suggesting only modest upside momentum and reinforcing the idea of a capped recovery while the pair trades under its longer-term average.
On the topside, immediate resistance is located at the upper Bollinger Band around 1.1470, with a stronger barrier higher up at the 100-day SMA near 1.1585, where selling interest is likely to re-emerge if tested. On the downside, initial support is seen at the middle Bollinger Band around 1.1415, followed by the lower Bollinger Band near 1.1358; a clear break below this lower band would open the door to a continuation of the broader decline.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Euro FAQs
The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency. A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall. Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy.
Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
- USD/IDR rises as the Indonesian Rupiah weakens due to higher oil prices and Sumatra fuel shortages.
- Q2 foreign direct inflows rose at their fastest pace since late 2024, demonstrating Indonesia's resilience in attracting long-term capital.
- The US Dollar continues losing ground as the Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady.
USD/IDR halts its four-day losing streak, trading around 18,020 during the Asian hours on Monday. The pair appreciates as the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) faces headwinds from rising crude oil prices. Reports of fuel shortages in Sumatra have further amplified concerns regarding Indonesia’s fiscal strain, though budget execution for the first half of 2026 has remained broadly on track.
On a positive note, investment momentum in the region has strengthened. Foreign direct investment inflows recorded their sharpest rise since late 2024 during the second quarter, underscoring Indonesia's continued resilience in attracting long-term capital despite global economic uncertainty.
However, the upside potential for the USD/IDR pair may remain restrained. The US Dollar (USD) continues to lose ground as the Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting. However, market pricing via the CME FedWatch Tool now reflects a 61.4% probability of a rate hike in September.
The Greenback may regain its ground on increased risk aversion amid escalating hostilities between the United States (US) and Iran. The US has launched its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets. In response, Iranian officials declared that the ceasefire between the two nations has been effectively abandoned, opening the door for deepening disruptions to crucial energy pathways through the region's narrow waterways.
Risk sentiment FAQs
In the world of financial jargon the two widely used terms “risk-on” and “risk off'' refer to the level of risk that investors are willing to stomach during the period referenced. In a “risk-on” market, investors are optimistic about the future and more willing to buy risky assets. In a “risk-off” market investors start to ‘play it safe’ because they are worried about the future, and therefore buy less risky assets that are more certain of bringing a return, even if it is relatively modest.
Typically, during periods of “risk-on”, stock markets will rise, most commodities – except Gold – will also gain in value, since they benefit from a positive growth outlook. The currencies of nations that are heavy commodity exporters strengthen because of increased demand, and Cryptocurrencies rise. In a “risk-off” market, Bonds go up – especially major government Bonds – Gold shines, and safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and US Dollar all benefit.
The Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and minor FX like the Ruble (RUB) and the South African Rand (ZAR), all tend to rise in markets that are “risk-on”. This is because the economies of these currencies are heavily reliant on commodity exports for growth, and commodities tend to rise in price during risk-on periods. This is because investors foresee greater demand for raw materials in the future due to heightened economic activity.
The major currencies that tend to rise during periods of “risk-off” are the US Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Swiss Franc (CHF). The US Dollar, because it is the world’s reserve currency, and because in times of crisis investors buy US government debt, which is seen as safe because the largest economy in the world is unlikely to default. The Yen, from increased demand for Japanese government bonds, because a high proportion are held by domestic investors who are unlikely to dump them – even in a crisis. The Swiss Franc, because strict Swiss banking laws offer investors enhanced capital protection.
- WTI spikes to an over one-month high on Monday in reaction to escalating US-Iran tensions.
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz fuel supply concerns, lending support to the commodity.
- The bullish technical setup backs the case for an extension of the month-to-date recovery.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) – the benchmark US Crude Oil price – kicks off the new week on a positive note and touches a fresh high since June 12, around the $84.40-$84.45 region, during the Asian session. Moreover, escalating US-Iran tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz back the case for an extension of the recent recovery from a multi-month low, touched earlier this July.
From a technical perspective, last week's breakout through the 200-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on the 4-hour chart and a subsequent move beyond the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the May-July downfall favor bullish traders. Adding to this, momentum metrics maintain this constructive tone, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovering in overbought territory near 76 and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remaining in positive territory. This suggests that upside pressure persists even as conditions look stretched.
Hence, some follow-through strength towards the 50.0% retracement, near $85.84, looks like a distinct possibility. A sustained break above this barrier would open the way toward the 61.8% Fibo. level at $90.28, ahead of higher Fibonacci caps at $96.59 and $104.64.
On the downside, initial support is located at the 38.2% retracement at $81.40, with deeper pullbacks potentially targeting the 23.6% retracement at $75.91 and the underlying 200-period SMA at $76.97. Meanwhile, the cycle low near $67.04 could act as a more distant structural floor.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
WTI 4-hour chart
WTI Oil FAQs
WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media.
Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa.
The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency.
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.
- AUD/JPY gathers strength to around 113.55 in Monday’s early European session.
- Markets have priced in nearly a 16% expectation of an interest rate increase to 4.60% at the next RBA meeting.
- Traders are on alert for Japanese Yen intervention.
The AUD/JPY cross gains ground to near 113.55 during the early European session on Monday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) edges higher against the Japanese Yen (JPY) due to the interest rate differential between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ). However, fears of possible intervention from Japanese officials might cap the upside for the cross.
After delivering three consecutive 25 basis points (bps) hikes earlier this year, the RBA decided to hold the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 4.35% at its June policy meeting. The Australian central bank is currently in a "wait-and-see" mode to evaluate how its tightening cycle is impacting sticky core inflation and a cooling domestic economy.
The ASX 30-Day Interbank Cash Rate Futures implied a 16% odds of an RBA rate hike in August, with a roughly 50% to 60% chance of one more hike by December 2026.
Traders remain on alert for potential intervention from Japanese authorities. Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Friday that "if it becomes necessary, we will take decisive action at any time.”
The Japanese central bank will meet later this month after hiking interest rates to the highest level in three decades in June. The BoJ is likely to raise rates again before the end of the year, but it isn’t seen moving at the July policy meeting.
Australian Dollar FAQs
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
- Gold attracts some dip-buyers at the start of a new week as the USD struggles to lure buyers.
- Escalating US-Iran tensions and Fed hike bets should limit USD losses, capping the commodity.
- A sustained move above the trend-channel barrier is needed to back the case for further gains.
Gold (XAU/USD) reverses a modest Asian session dip to the $3,983-$3,982 area and is now looking to build on Friday's bounce from the monthly low. The intraday uptick is sponsored by a softer US Dollar (USD), which tends to benefit the commodity. That said, rising geopolitical tensions and expectations of higher US interest rates favor the USD bulls, warranting caution before positioning for any meaningful appreciation for the non-yielding bullion.
In the latest developments surrounding the Middle East crisis, the US said that it had completed a ninth straight night of strikes against Iran on Sunday after announcing the death of another American service member in Iraq. US President Donald Trump said that the latest strikes were being carried out in honor of US service members killed in recent days. Moreover, the US Central Command stated on X that the strikes are aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran fired ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones targeting US allies in the region, with Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq reporting a new wave of attacks.
This raises the risk of a broader regional war and prompts traders to continue pricing in the geopolitical risk premium. Adding to this, the US recently resumed a naval blockade of Iranian ports and restricted an earlier oil-selling license. On the other hand, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is aggressively monitoring and attempting to restrict vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This, in turn, lifts crude oil prices to the highest since June 12, fueling inflation worries and bolstering bets for a Fed rate hike in 2026. Furthermore, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack argued on Friday that rates may need to rise to beat back persistent inflation, which should support the USD and warrants caution for Gold bulls.
In the absence of any relevant market-moving US economic releases on Monday, the fundamental backdrop makes it prudent to wait for strong follow-through buying before confirming that the XAU/USD pair has formed a near-term bottom. That said, comments from influential FOMC members could provide some impetus to the USD. Apart from this, the incoming geopolitical headlines should infuse some volatility in financial markets and contribute to producing short-term trading opportunities around Gold.
XAU/USD daily chart
Gold’s bearish setup warrants caution before positioning for any meaningful upside
From a technical perspective, the precious metal is holding within a downward-sloping channel and below the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) near $4,495.79. This keeps the broader tone bearish despite some recent stabilisation. The XAU/USD pair currently sits just under the channel’s upper boundary around $4,056.51, suggesting rallies remain capped within the corrective structure.
Meanwhile, a modestly positive Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) hints that the latest bounce carries some, but not dominant, upside momentum as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) lingers below the 50 line in mildly negative territory. Hence, a decisive break above the trend-channel hurdle is needed to open the way for a more convincing recovery toward the distant 200-day SMA at roughly $4,495.79.
On the downside, the lower boundary of the descending channel near $3,662.99 forms the next significant support, and a move back toward this zone would reinforce the prevailing bearish structure, exposing further weakness if broken.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Fed FAQs
Monetary policy in the US is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, it raises interest rates, increasing borrowing costs throughout the economy. This results in a stronger US Dollar (USD) as it makes the US a more attractive place for international investors to park their money. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates to encourage borrowing, which weighs on the Greenback.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) holds eight policy meetings a year, where the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) assesses economic conditions and makes monetary policy decisions. The FOMC is attended by twelve Fed officials – the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and four of the remaining eleven regional Reserve Bank presidents, who serve one-year terms on a rotating basis.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve may resort to a policy named Quantitative Easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used during crises or when inflation is extremely low. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy high grade bonds from financial institutions. QE usually weakens the US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process of QE, whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing, to purchase new bonds. It is usually positive for the value of the US Dollar.
- EUR/JPY may find immediate resistance at the ascending triangle top near 186.10.
- The 14-day Relative Strength Index of 55.33 signals healthy bullish momentum that is not yet overextended.
- The initial support lies at the nine-day EMA at 185.50.
EUR/JPY remains subdued for the third consecutive day, trading around 185.80 during the Asian hours on Monday. The currency cross is holding a constructive bullish bias as it stays above both the nine-day and 50-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), now aligned as nearby dynamic support.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 55.33 leans to the upside without signalling overbought conditions, suggesting bullish momentum is present but not yet overstretched while price consolidates just under the recent highs.
The daily chart technical analysis shows the EUR/JPY cross is remaining within the ascending triangle, at the top near 186.10. This flat ceiling, combined with shallower dips, signals aggressive buying pressure. A decisive break above the triangle could trigger a powerful bullish continuation, which could expose the all-time high of 187.95, which was recorded on April 17.
On the downside, primary support lies at the nine-day EMA at 185.50, followed by the 50-day EMA at 185.12 and the ascending triangle’s lower boundary around 185.00. A break below the triangle would weaken the bullish bias and put downward pressure on the EUR/JPY cross to navigate the region around the five-month low of 181.87, recorded on March 16, and the seven-month low of 180.81.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Euro Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Euro (EUR) against listed major currencies today. Euro was the weakest against the New Zealand Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.01% | -0.07% | -0.02% | -0.09% | -0.15% | -0.24% | 0.02% | |
| EUR | 0.01% | -0.02% | 0.00% | -0.08% | -0.13% | -0.25% | 0.03% | |
| GBP | 0.07% | 0.02% | 0.02% | -0.06% | -0.11% | -0.21% | 0.04% | |
| JPY | 0.02% | 0.00% | -0.02% | -0.06% | -0.13% | -0.19% | 0.03% | |
| CAD | 0.09% | 0.08% | 0.06% | 0.06% | -0.06% | -0.12% | 0.09% | |
| AUD | 0.15% | 0.13% | 0.11% | 0.13% | 0.06% | -0.08% | 0.18% | |
| NZD | 0.24% | 0.25% | 0.21% | 0.19% | 0.12% | 0.08% | 0.22% | |
| CHF | -0.02% | -0.03% | -0.04% | -0.03% | -0.09% | -0.18% | -0.22% |
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 Euro from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent EUR (base)/USD (quote).
- AUD/USD rises to near 0.6995 after a weak opening.
- The Fed is highly anticipated to leave interest rates unchanged in the policy meeting later this month.
- Soft US CPI data for June forced traders to pare hawkish Fed bets.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) trades 0.12% higher to near 0.6995 against the US Dollar (USD) during the Asian trading session on Monday. The AUD/USD pair bounces back after a weak opening, as the US Dollar faces selling pressure amid intensified expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will not hike interest rates in the policy meeting later this month.
At press time, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, trades marginally lower around 100.70. The USD Index fell sharply after a strong opening move.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, the odds of the Fed leaving interest rates unchanged in the July meeting are 85.6%, up from 65.8% recorded last week. Market participants turned confident that the Fed will maintain the status quo in the July meeting after the release of the United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for June, which showed that inflationary pressures cooled down.
On the Australian Dollar front, the currency outperforms its major peers, following the People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) monetary policy announcement, in which it left Prime Lending Rates (PLRs) unchanged.
AUD/USD technical analysis
AUD/USD trades higher at around 0.6990 at press time, holding a modestly bullish near-term bias as it extends above the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) at 0.6970. The pair has reclaimed this short-term trend indicator after its late-June weakness, while the Relative Strength Index (14) at 51.8 sits just above the neutral line, suggesting stabilizing upside momentum rather than aggressive buying pressure.
On the downside, immediate support is located at the 20-day EMA near 0.6970, which is likely to act as the first line of defence on any pullback, followed by the recent price troughs below 0.6950 if sellers regain control. Below 0.6950, the March 30 low at 0.6874 will be the key support level. As long as spot holds above the 0.6970 region on a daily closing basis, the technical tone should remain mildly constructive. Looking up, the pair could extend its advance towards 0.7100 if it manages to break above the July 15 high at 0.7021.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Australian Dollar FAQs
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
- USD/CHF slips as SNB Minutes showed cautious policymakers, boosting safe-haven Swiss Franc demand.
- The US Dollar falls despite escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran, as traders focus on softer domestic economic data instead.
- CME FedWatch Tool indicates that markets price in a 61.4% probability of a rate hike in September.
USD/CHF extends its gains for the second successive day, trading around 0.8070 during the Asian hours on Monday. The pair depreciates as the Swiss Franc (CHF) receives support ahead of the release of Trade Balance data for June.
While the Swiss National Bank (SNB) maintains that its medium-term inflation outlook remains largely unchanged, recent Meeting Minutes show that policymakers are growing cautious. Rising geopolitical tensions have heightened near-term inflation risks, prompting the SNB to reiterate its readiness to intervene in the foreign exchange market to prevent the franc from overappreciating and to protect price stability.
The USD/CHF pair depreciates as the US Dollar (USD) declines despite escalating hostilities between the United States (US) and Iran. The US has launched its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets. In response, Iranian officials declared that the ceasefire between the two nations has been effectively abandoned, opening the door for deepening disruptions to crucial energy pathways through the region's narrow waterways.
The Greenback struggles as the Federal Reserve (Fed) is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, though market pricing via the CME FedWatch Tool now reflects a 61.4% probability of a rate hike in September.
Hammack flags broad-based inflation pressures, reinforcing hawkish Fed tone
Fed’s Hammack delivers a more hawkish-than-usual message, with a 7.2/10 FXS Speechtracker score standing above the 6.6/10 historical average and emphasizing that persistently high inflation is the “bigger concern.” The focus on businesses calling for action to curb inflation and consumers “who can’t make ends meet” underscores mounting political and social pressure for tighter policy, even as Hammack acknowledges solid growth and stable consumer spending. References to energy, supply chains, insurance, and AI data center investment as drivers of broad-based price pressures point to a Fed bias toward keeping policy restrictive for longer, which is supportive for the Dollar on balance.
The FXS Fed Sentiment Index has risen by 2.06 points to 128.64, signaling a clear move deeper into hawkish territory well above the neutral 100 line. In combination with the elevated FXS Speechtracker score, this suggests that Fed communication today tilts toward sustained vigilance on inflation, limiting near-term prospects for aggressive rate cuts and underpinning the Dollar against peers.
Swiss Franc FAQs
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is Switzerland’s official currency. It is among the top ten most traded currencies globally, reaching volumes that well exceed the size of the Swiss economy. Its value is determined by the broad market sentiment, the country’s economic health or action taken by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), among other factors. Between 2011 and 2015, the Swiss Franc was pegged to the Euro (EUR). The peg was abruptly removed, resulting in a more than 20% increase in the Franc’s value, causing a turmoil in markets. Even though the peg isn’t in force anymore, CHF fortunes tend to be highly correlated with the Euro ones due to the high dependency of the Swiss economy on the neighboring Eurozone.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is considered a safe-haven asset, or a currency that investors tend to buy in times of market stress. This is due to the perceived status of Switzerland in the world: a stable economy, a strong export sector, big central bank reserves or a longstanding political stance towards neutrality in global conflicts make the country’s currency a good choice for investors fleeing from risks. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen CHF value against other currencies that are seen as more risky to invest in.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) meets four times a year – once every quarter, less than other major central banks – to decide on monetary policy. The bank aims for an annual inflation rate of less than 2%. When inflation is above target or forecasted to be above target in the foreseeable future, the bank will attempt to tame price growth by raising its policy rate. Higher interest rates are generally positive for the Swiss Franc (CHF) as they lead to higher yields, making the country a more attractive place for investors. On the contrary, lower interest rates tend to weaken CHF.
Macroeconomic data releases in Switzerland are key to assessing the state of the economy and can impact the Swiss Franc’s (CHF) valuation. The Swiss economy is broadly stable, but any sudden change in economic growth, inflation, current account or the central bank’s currency reserves have the potential to trigger moves in CHF. Generally, high economic growth, low unemployment and high confidence are good for CHF. Conversely, if economic data points to weakening momentum, CHF is likely to depreciate.
As a small and open economy, Switzerland is heavily dependent on the health of the neighboring Eurozone economies. The broader European Union is Switzerland’s main economic partner and a key political ally, so macroeconomic and monetary policy stability in the Eurozone is essential for Switzerland and, thus, for the Swiss Franc (CHF). With such dependency, some models suggest that the correlation between the fortunes of the Euro (EUR) and the CHF is more than 90%, or close to perfect.
- Silver faces headwinds as US-Iran clashes boost oil prices, fueling inflation and rate-hike fears.
- Nightly US strikes on Iran prompted Tehran to declare its ceasefire dead, threatening major energy disruptions along key waterways.
- Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack warned on Friday that inflation remains persistent.
Silver price (XAG/USD) gains ground for the second successive day, trading around $56.80 per troy ounce during the Asian hours on Monday. However, the non-interest-bearing white metal could face tough sledding ahead as United States (US)-Iran clashes drive oil prices higher, and resurfacing inflation risks are fueling expectations for Fed rate hikes.
The US has launched its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets. In response, Iranian officials declared that the ceasefire between the two nations has been effectively abandoned, opening the door for deepening disruptions to crucial energy pathways through the region's narrow waterways.
The conflict has rapidly intensified across the region, triggering air raid sirens in Bahrain after Iran launched a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones targeting sites across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. Meanwhile, the US military reported the death of a third service member within the span of two days amid the ongoing exchanges.
The violence has also expanded beyond strictly military targets to hit critical infrastructure, with bridges, utilities, and port facilities coming under fire. Over the weekend, Kuwait Petroleum Corp. confirmed that an Iranian strike struck one of its oil facilities on Saturday.
While the central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, market pricing via the CME FedWatch Tool now reflects a 61.4% probability of a rate hike in September.
Hammack flags broad-based inflation pressures, reinforcing hawkish Fed tone
Fed’s Hammack delivers a notably more hawkish message, with a 7.2/10 FXS Speechtracker score standing above the 6.6/10 historical average and underscoring heightened concern about persistent price pressures. The emphasis on businesses calling for action to curb inflation and consumers “who can’t make ends meet” despite solid growth and stable spending highlights a tension between resilient activity and mounting social strain, while references to energy, supply chains, insurance, and AI data centers point to a broad-based and structurally complex inflation mix. By framing “persistently high inflation” as the bigger concern, the speech tilts expectations toward a tighter-for-longer policy stance, supportive of the Dollar on the margin.
The FXS Fed Sentiment Index rose by 2.06 points to 128.64, reinforcing that the broader Fed communication backdrop remains firmly in hawkish territory well above the 100 neutral line. In combination with the above-baseline FXS Speechtracker score for Hammack, this move signals that recent Fed rhetoric continues to lean toward prioritizing inflation control over growth risks, a configuration that typically underpins the Dollar against lower-yielding peers.
Silver FAQs
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
- DXY bulls refrain from placing aggressive bets and opt to wait for further geopolitical developments.
- Rising oil prices fuel inflation fears and lift Fed rate hike bets, acting as a tailwind for the Greenback.
- The supportive fundamental backdrop suggests that corrective pullbacks are likely to be bought into.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback against a basket of currencies, struggles to capitalize on a modest Asian session uptick on Monday and currently trades around the 100.80-100.75 region, nearly unchanged for the day. Meanwhile, the near-term bias seems tilted firmly in favor of bullish traders amid escalating US-Iran tensions and hawkish US Federal Reserve (Fed) expectations.
In the latest developments surrounding the Middle East crisis, the US launched a ninth straight night of strikes against Iran on Sunday after announcing the death of another American service member in Iraq. US President Donald Trump said that the latest strikes were being carried out in honor of US service members killed in recent days. In response, Iran fired ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones targeting sites in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. This raises the risk of a broader regional war and prompts traders to continue pricing in the geopolitical risk premium, which, in turn, should benefit the US Dollar's (USD) safe-haven status.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices have jumped to a fresh high since June 12 as the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, alongside the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, fuels concerns about more supply disruptions in the Middle East. This sudden spike in energy prices stokes fears of a reacceleration in global inflation, which might force major central banks, including the US Federal Reserve (Fed), to adopt a more hawkish stance. According to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool, traders are still pricing in the possibility of at least one interest rate hike by the Fed in 2026. This further validates the positive outlook for the USD and warrants some caution for bears.
Moving ahead, there isn't any relevant market-moving economic data due for release from the US on Monday, leaving the buck at the mercy of comments from influential FOMC members. Apart from this, incoming geopolitical headlines might continue to infuse volatility in global financial markets and drive the USD demand. Nevertheless, the aforementioned fundamental backdrop suggests that the path of least resistance for the index remains to the upside, and any meaningful corrective pullback is more likely to be bought into.
US Dollar Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the strongest against the Swiss Franc.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 0.02% | -0.05% | -0.03% | -0.09% | -0.09% | -0.13% | 0.07% | |
| EUR | -0.02% | -0.04% | -0.06% | -0.13% | -0.11% | -0.18% | 0.05% | |
| GBP | 0.05% | 0.04% | -0.02% | -0.07% | -0.04% | -0.12% | 0.07% | |
| JPY | 0.03% | 0.06% | 0.02% | -0.05% | -0.05% | -0.06% | 0.10% | |
| CAD | 0.09% | 0.13% | 0.07% | 0.05% | 0.00% | -0.01% | 0.14% | |
| AUD | 0.09% | 0.11% | 0.04% | 0.05% | -0.01% | -0.03% | 0.17% | |
| NZD | 0.13% | 0.18% | 0.12% | 0.06% | 0.01% | 0.03% | 0.17% | |
| CHF | -0.07% | -0.05% | -0.07% | -0.10% | -0.14% | -0.17% | -0.17% |
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 US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).
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