Forex News
- WTI attracts some dip-buyers following the previous day’s pullback from a multi-week high.
- The mixed technical setup warrants some caution before placing aggressive bullish bets.
- A sustained strength beyond the 23.6% Fibo. is needed to back the case for further gains.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) – the benchmark US Crude Oil price – edges higher during the Asian session on Friday, stalling the previous day's retracement slide from the vicinity of a three-week high. The black liquid reclaims the $72.00 mark during the Asian session and remains on track to register weekly gains for the first time in the previous five.
From a technical perspective, the recent recovery move from the lowest level since February, touched last week, faltered near the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of the May-July downfall earlier this week. Moreover, Crude Oil prices remain below the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), keeping a bearish near-term tone amid mixed momentum indicators.
In fact, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has turned positive and advances above its signal line, hinting at an ongoing corrective bounce. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 41 still leans toward weak demand, suggesting rallies could remain capped while Crude Oil prices trade under the 23.6% Fibo. and the 200-day EMA.
Meanwhile, any meaningful upside is likely to face initial resistance at the 23.6% Fibo. level at $75.81, followed by the 200-day EMA at about $77.18, with further barriers at the 38.2% retracement near $81.50 and the 50% level around $86.11. On the downside, the primary structural support is the recent cycle low around $66.60, where a break would expose deeper bearish extension despite the currently improving technical backdrop.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
WTI daily 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.
Gold prices fell in India on Friday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The price for Gold stood at 12,617.90 Indian Rupees (INR) per gram, down compared with the INR 12,633.71 it cost on Thursday.
The price for Gold decreased to INR 147,173.10 per tola from INR 147,357.20 per tola a day earlier.
Unit measure | Gold Price in INR |
|---|---|
1 Gram | 12,617.90 |
10 Grams | 126,178.70 |
Tola | 147,173.10 |
Troy Ounce | 392,461.00 |
FXStreet calculates Gold prices in India by adapting international prices (USD/INR) to the local currency and measurement units. Prices are updated daily based on the market rates taken at the time of publication. Prices are just for reference and local rates could diverge slightly.
Gold FAQs
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
(An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
- EUR/USD remains supported by the less hawkish FOMC Minutes-led USD weakness.
- The lack of follow-through buying beyond the 23.6% Fibo. warrants caution for bulls.
- The bearish flag pattern backs the case for the emergence of sellers at higher levels.
The EUR/USD pair attracts some buyers for the third consecutive day and touches a fresh weekly high, around the 1.1460 area, during the Asian session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) is seen prolonging the less hawkish FOMC Minutes-inspired slide and turning out to be a key factor acting as a tailwind for the currency pair. However, persistent geopolitical uncertainties help limit further USD losses and cap spot prices.
From a technical perspective, the EUR/USD pair, so far, has been struggling to find acceptance or build on its strength beyond the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of the April-June downfall. Moreover, the recovery from the year-to-date low has been along an upward-sloping channel, which now seems to constitute the formation of a bearish flag pattern, leaving the recent gains capped within the broader corrective structure.
Momentum indicators, however, remain constructive. In fact, the Relative Strength Index is hovering just below 60, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line is above zero and showing a modestly positive histogram. This suggests downside pressure is limited while the EUR/USD pair stays supported by the trend-channel support, currently pegged near the 1.1400 mark, which should act as a pivotal point.
A convincing breakdown below the said handle would expose the deeper structural supports clustered near 1.1327–1.1323. On the topside, immediate resistance is seen at the 200-period EMA at 1.1491, followed closely by the channel top at 1.1494. A sustained strength and acceptance above this zone would open the way toward the 38.2% retracement at 1.1524 and the 50.0% level around 1.1586, if the bullish momentum extends further.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
EUR/USD 4-hour chart
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.
- Gold struggles to capitalize on the previous day’s move higher amid mixed cues.
- The less hawkish FOMC Minutes and Iran diplomacy hopes weigh on the USD.
- Prospects for at least one Fed rate hike in 2026 and Iran risks cap the commodity.
Gold (XAU/USD) reverses a modest Asian session dip to the $4,109-$4,108 region on Friday, though it lacks bullish conviction. The US Dollar (USD) selling remains unabated for the third consecutive day in the wake of Wednesday's less hawkish FOMC Minutes and offers some support to the commodity. However, prospects of a US Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike in 2026 remain active. This, along with geopolitical uncertainties, could limit USD losses, warranting some caution before positioning for an extension of the recovery from a one-week low set on Wednesday.
The minutes from the June 16–17 FOMC meeting, released on Wednesday, revealed that policymakers were divided over the direction of interest rates. The minutes further stated that many participants indicated the appropriate level of the federal funds rate would be within or slightly below the current target range at the end of this year. Fed officials, however, indicated that some policy firming would likely be warranted as the upside risk to inflation remains elevated. Moreover, the CME Group's FedWatch Tool suggests that traders are still pricing in a nearly 85% probability of at least one Fed rate hike by the year-end.
Meanwhile, a fresh escalation of tensions between the US and Iran brings the spotlight back on oil prices and what it could mean for inflation and the global rates outlook. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that it carried out airstrikes on Thursday, hitting 90 Iranian military targets – including air defense systems, missile sites and naval logistics infrastructure along Iran's coastline. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, and also warned that further American attacks would trigger a wider regional response, significantly complicating diplomatic efforts.
The market anxiety, however, subsided after US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that Iran had called to make a deal with the US. Adding to this, a White House official signaled that the US is still committed to the memorandum of understanding with Iran. The mixed signals keep investors on edge, suggesting that a strong follow-through buying is needed to confirm that the Gold price has formed a near-term bottom. Nevertheless, the XAU/USD pair remains on track to register modest weekly losses as the market focus remains glued to further developments surrounding the US-Iran saga.
XAU/USD daily chart
Gold seems vulnerable while below 200-day SMA and descending channel resistance
The precious metal holds within a broader downward parallel channel and below the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), which keeps the near-term bias bearish despite improving momentum. The channel’s upper boundary near $4,156.03 is the first structural barrier ahead of the 200-day SMA currently around $4,493.66, reinforcing a cap above spot.
Meanwhile, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram has turned positive, and the MACD line has pushed above the signal line, hinting at a corrective rebound within the broader downtrend. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 45 still reflects only modest demand rather than a decisive bullish shift.
On the downside, the current day’s swing low, around $4,109-$4,108, acts as a nearby pivot, with stronger support aligned with the channel floor around $3,758.88, where buyers would be expected to re-emerge if the bearish pressure resumes.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
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 Canadian Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.18% | -0.24% | -0.57% | -0.16% | -0.28% | -0.51% | -0.38% | |
| EUR | 0.18% | -0.06% | -0.37% | 0.03% | -0.11% | -0.34% | -0.20% | |
| GBP | 0.24% | 0.06% | -0.33% | 0.09% | -0.05% | -0.27% | -0.15% | |
| JPY | 0.57% | 0.37% | 0.33% | 0.41% | 0.28% | 0.03% | 0.16% | |
| CAD | 0.16% | -0.03% | -0.09% | -0.41% | -0.13% | -0.37% | -0.24% | |
| AUD | 0.28% | 0.11% | 0.05% | -0.28% | 0.13% | -0.23% | -0.13% | |
| NZD | 0.51% | 0.34% | 0.27% | -0.03% | 0.37% | 0.23% | 0.12% | |
| CHF | 0.38% | 0.20% | 0.15% | -0.16% | 0.24% | 0.13% | -0.12% |
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).
- USD/CAD softens to around 1.4145 in Friday’s early European session.
- Fed officials were split on the direction of interest rates at the last meeting.
- Iranian media said military sites in two cities were targeted in further attacks late Thursday.
The USD/CAD pair loses momentum to near 1.4145 during the early European session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) weakens against the Canadian Dollar (CAD) on receding expectations of a rate increase from the US Federal Reserve (Fed).
The minutes from the Fed's June 16 to 17 meeting, the first under new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, showed concern about high inflation mounted among policymakers, and a few participants saw a case to hike the interest rates.
New York Fed President John Williams said on Thursday that despite the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East, he was not looking for a sustained rise in energy prices over the remainder of the year.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, expectations for a rate hike of at least 25 basis points (bps) at the July meeting eased back to 24.6% from 31% in the prior session, but up from 18.2% a week ago. For the September policy meeting, markets are pricing in a 62.3% probability of a hike, down from the 66.6% on Wednesday but an increase from the 54.1% a week earlier.
Crude oil prices remain elevated amid shopping traffic slowdown in the Strait of Hormuz. Late Thursday, Iranian officials and state media have reported multiple explosions in the country’s south, including near the Bushehr nuclear facility. The reports came after an earlier wave of US strikes, which was followed by Iranian missile fire at a US base in Jordan. It is worth noting that Canada is a major oil-exporting country, and high crude oil prices generally have a positive impact on the Loonie.
Canadian Dollar FAQs
The key factors driving the Canadian Dollar (CAD) are the level of interest rates set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the price of Oil, Canada’s largest export, the health of its economy, inflation and the Trade Balance, which is the difference between the value of Canada’s exports versus its imports. Other factors include market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – with risk-on being CAD-positive. As its largest trading partner, the health of the US economy is also a key factor influencing the Canadian Dollar.
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has a significant influence on the Canadian Dollar by setting the level of interest rates that banks can lend to one another. This influences the level of interest rates for everyone. The main goal of the BoC is to maintain inflation at 1-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively higher interest rates tend to be positive for the CAD. The Bank of Canada can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former CAD-negative and the latter CAD-positive.
The price of Oil is a key factor impacting the value of the Canadian Dollar. Petroleum is Canada’s biggest export, so Oil price tends to have an immediate impact on the CAD value. Generally, if Oil price rises CAD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Oil falls. Higher Oil prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance, which is also supportive of the CAD.
While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for a currency since it lowers the value of money, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Higher inflation tends to lead central banks to put up interest rates which attracts more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in Canada’s case is the Canadian Dollar.
Macroeconomic data releases gauge the health of the economy and can have an impact on the Canadian Dollar. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the CAD. A strong economy is good for the Canadian Dollar. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the Bank of Canada to put up interest rates, leading to a stronger currency. If economic data is weak, however, the CAD is likely to fall.
- The US Dollar Index falls for the third straight trading day, extending the decline to near the three-week low at 100.60.
- The US signals that it is still committed to the MoU with Iran, and technical talks are still on.
- Fed Chair Warsh unveils key members of five task forces.
The US Dollar (USD) extends its losing streak for the third trading day on Friday amid signs of de-escalation in the ongoing clash between the United States (US) and Iran.
In the Asian session, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, trades 0.3% lower to near 100.60, revisiting the three-week low.
US Dollar Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the weakest against the Japanese Yen.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.22% | -0.27% | -0.57% | -0.19% | -0.31% | -0.55% | -0.40% | |
| EUR | 0.22% | -0.05% | -0.35% | 0.05% | -0.12% | -0.34% | -0.18% | |
| GBP | 0.27% | 0.05% | -0.33% | 0.08% | -0.08% | -0.28% | -0.14% | |
| JPY | 0.57% | 0.35% | 0.33% | 0.40% | 0.27% | 0.01% | 0.17% | |
| CAD | 0.19% | -0.05% | -0.08% | -0.40% | -0.14% | -0.37% | -0.21% | |
| AUD | 0.31% | 0.12% | 0.08% | -0.27% | 0.14% | -0.24% | -0.11% | |
| NZD | 0.55% | 0.34% | 0.28% | -0.01% | 0.37% | 0.24% | 0.14% | |
| CHF | 0.40% | 0.18% | 0.14% | -0.17% | 0.21% | 0.11% | -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 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).
Earlier in the day, reports from the Times of Israel stated that a US official signaled that Washington is still committed to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran and technical talks are still on despite US President Donald Trump declaring that the MoU is over and the exchange of attacks between the two.
On Wednesday, US President Trump also said that Iran called for making a deal, but “I just don’t know if they’re worthy of making a deal”, CNBC reported.
Signs of US-Iran war de-escalation diminish the safe-haven appeal of the US Dollar. However, higher oil prices due to renewed energy supply disruption fears have de-anchored inflation projections, which are likely to limit the US Dollar’s downside.
Technically, higher inflation expectations discourage Federal Reserve (Fed) officials from lowering interest rates.
On the monetary policy front, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has unveiled members of five task forces, as promised in the June policy announcement, which will be focused on communications, the balance sheet policy, improving the quality and timeliness of economic data, productivity and jobs and developing inflation frameworks.
US Dollar FAQs
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States of America, and the ‘de facto’ currency of a significant number of other countries where it is found in circulation alongside local notes. It is the most heavily traded currency in the world, accounting for over 88% of all global foreign exchange turnover, or an average of $6.6 trillion in transactions per day, according to data from 2022. Following the second world war, the USD took over from the British Pound as the world’s reserve currency. For most of its history, the US Dollar was backed by Gold, until the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971 when the Gold Standard went away.
The most important single factor impacting on the value of the US Dollar is monetary policy, which is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability (control inflation) and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these two goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed will raise rates, which helps the USD value. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates, which weighs on the Greenback.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve can also print more Dollars and enact 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 when credit has dried up because banks will not lend to each other (out of the fear of counterparty default). It is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the necessary result. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice to combat the credit crunch that occurred during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy US government bonds predominantly from financial institutions. QE usually leads to a weaker US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing in new purchases. It is usually positive for the US Dollar.
- AUD/USD edges higher to around 0.6950 in Friday’s Asian session.
- RBA’s Hunter reaffirmed the board will take necessary actions to bring inflation down to its target.
- Fed's Williams said not looking for a sustained energy price increase.
The AUD/USD pair attracts some buyers to near 0.6950 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) strengthens against the US Dollar (USD) on hawkish rhetoric from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
RBA Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter said on Wednesday that the board will act as needed to return inflation to its target, warning some tightening may be required if the oil shock lifts inflation expectations, per Reuters.
The Australian central bank has implemented three interest rate increases of 25 basis points (bps) so far this year, lifting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.35%. Current ASX 30-day Interbank Cash Rate Futures indicated a minor 19% market expectation of a rate hike to 4.60% at the upcoming August meeting.
According to Federal Reserve (Fed) Minutes from June 16 to 17 meeting, the first under new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, showed many participants said its key rate would be unchanged from or slightly below its current level of 3.6% by the end of this year. But “many” also said that it would likely be higher by year-end.
New York Fed President John Williams said on Thursday that despite the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East, he was not looking for a sustained rise in energy prices over the remainder of the year.
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.
- NZD/USD builds on the hawkish RBNZ-inspired gains for the third straight day on Friday.
- The USD drops to a fresh weekly trough and provides an additional boost to spot prices.
- Mixed US-Iran signals do little to impress the USD bulls or hinder the pair’s momentum.
The NZD/USD pair gains strong follow-through positive traction for the third straight day and rallies to an over three-week top during the Asian session on Friday. Spot prices currently trade around the 0.5775-0.5780 region, up nearly 0.40% for the day, and remain on track to register strong gains for the second week in a row amid a combination of supporting factors.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) continues to be underpinned by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ) hawkish outlook, which, along with a broadly weaker US Dollar (USD), acts as a tailwind for the NZD/USD pair. As was widely expected, the RBNZ raised the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 2.50% following the conclusion of the June monetary policy meeting on Wednesday. The central bank also indicated that some further reduction in monetary stimulus is likely to be required to curb inflationary pressures.
In contrast, the Minutes from the June 16–17 FOMC meeting revealed on Wednesday that policymakers were divided over the direction of interest rates. The minutes further stated that many participants indicated the appropriate level of the federal funds rate would be within or slightly below the current target range at the end of this year. The less hawkish outlook, in turn, drags the USD Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback against a basket of currencies, to a fresh weekly low and contributes to the bid tone around the NZD/USD pair.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical risk premium resurfaced this week after the US military unleashed a new wave of strikes against Iran earlier this week in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting American allies and bombing US military installations across Bahrain and Kuwait. The market anxiety, however, subsided after Trump on Thursday claimed that Iran had called to make a deal with the US, denting the USD’s safe-haven status and lending additional support to the NZD/USD pair.
Moving ahead, there isn't any relevant market-moving economic data due for release from the US on Friday, leaving the USD at the mercy of comments from influential FOMC members. Apart from this, the market focus will be on further developments surrounding the Middle East crisis, which might continue to infuse volatility in global financial markets and drive the USD. Nevertheless, the fundamental backdrop backs the case for a further appreciating move for the NZD/USD pair, which remains on track to register gains for the second straight week.
New Zealand Dollar Price This week
The table below shows the percentage change of New Zealand Dollar (NZD) against listed major currencies this week. New Zealand Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.09% | -0.66% | 0.19% | -0.30% | -0.23% | -1.29% | 0.13% | |
| EUR | 0.09% | -0.60% | 0.24% | -0.23% | -0.10% | -1.23% | 0.18% | |
| GBP | 0.66% | 0.60% | 0.74% | 0.36% | 0.50% | -0.63% | 0.77% | |
| JPY | -0.19% | -0.24% | -0.74% | -0.49% | -0.26% | -1.42% | -0.05% | |
| CAD | 0.30% | 0.23% | -0.36% | 0.49% | 0.20% | -0.94% | 0.41% | |
| AUD | 0.23% | 0.10% | -0.50% | 0.26% | -0.20% | -1.13% | 0.27% | |
| NZD | 1.29% | 1.23% | 0.63% | 1.42% | 0.94% | 1.13% | 1.41% | |
| CHF | -0.13% | -0.18% | -0.77% | 0.05% | -0.41% | -0.27% | -1.41% |
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 New Zealand Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent NZD (base)/USD (quote).
- USD/JPY attracts sellers for the second straight day as intervention fears lift the JPY.
- The less hawkish FOMC Minutes weigh on the USD, contributing to the intraday fall.
- The wide US-Japan rate differential and Iran risks should limit losses for the major.
The USD/JPY pair meets with a heavy supply during the Asian session on Friday and weakens below the 162.00 mark as traders remain on high alert amid expectations of a potential government intervention to prop up the Japanese Yen (JPY). Furthermore, some follow-through US Dollar (USD) selling turns out to be another factor exerting downward pressure on spot prices for the second straight day.
The USD Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback against a basket of currencies, drops to a fresh weekly low in the wake of the less-hawkish FOMC Minutes, which revealed that policymakers were divided with regard to the direction of interest rates. That said, traders are still pricing in around a 65% chance that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will raise borrowing costs in September. This, along with persistent geopolitical uncertainties, could limit deeper losses for the safe-haven buck and offer some support to the USD/JPY pair.
In the latest developments, the US military unleashed a new wave of strikes against Iran earlier this week in retaliation for Iran's attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting American allies and bombing US military installations across Bahrain and Kuwait. Moreover, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East was over. This keeps geopolitical risks in play and favors the USD bulls.
Meanwhile, investors remain worried about economic risks due to continued energy supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, as Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its Crude Oil imports. Furthermore, borrowing costs in Japan remain significantly lower compared to other Western economies, including the US. This might hold back traders from placing aggressive bullish bets on the JPY, warranting caution before confirming that the USD/JPY pair has topped out and positioning for further losses.
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 Australian Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.13% | -0.16% | -0.39% | -0.09% | -0.06% | -0.38% | -0.24% | |
| EUR | 0.13% | -0.03% | -0.22% | 0.04% | 0.06% | -0.25% | -0.11% | |
| GBP | 0.16% | 0.03% | -0.20% | 0.07% | 0.08% | -0.22% | -0.10% | |
| JPY | 0.39% | 0.22% | 0.20% | 0.27% | 0.30% | -0.04% | 0.09% | |
| CAD | 0.09% | -0.04% | -0.07% | -0.27% | 0.02% | -0.30% | -0.17% | |
| AUD | 0.06% | -0.06% | -0.08% | -0.30% | -0.02% | -0.32% | -0.21% | |
| NZD | 0.38% | 0.25% | 0.22% | 0.04% | 0.30% | 0.32% | 0.12% | |
| CHF | 0.24% | 0.11% | 0.10% | -0.09% | 0.17% | 0.21% | -0.12% |
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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