Posted at 27 April 2026 / Categories Market Roundups
Market Roundup
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Looking Ahead Economic Data (GMT)
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Currency Forecast
EUR/USD : The euro firmed against dollar on Monday as wavering hopes of a deal to end the Middle East war left investors on edge. U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped a visit to Islamabad by his envoys over the weekend, saying Iran could reach out if it wanted to negotiate an end to the two-month war, leaving the pivotal Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.But sentiment got a lift after Axios reported, citing sources, that Iran offered the U.S. a new proposal through Pakistani mediators on reopening the waterway and ending the war, with nuclear negotiations postponed for a later stage. Investors will be watching several central bank meetings this week to gauge the impact of the war on prices and rate outlooks, with the Bank of Japan expected to keep rates steady on Tuesday but signal its readiness to hike as soon as June. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.1745(50%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.1800(Psychological level).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.1677(SMA20), a break below could take the pair towards 1.1596(61.8%fib).
GBP/USD: The pound gained ground against the dollar on Monday as investors awaited await further developments surrounding the US-Iran saga. On Saturday, the U.S. scrapped a planned visit of its envoys to Islamabad for talks with Iran, later saying Tehran “offered a lot, but not enough,” as longstanding disagreements over terms of the potential peace deal linger.The Bank of England will keep interest rates on hold this week and try to look ahead to the damage building up for Britain's economy from the Iran war, while investors will be watching for any signs it is moving towards raising rates.The BoE kept borrowing costs on hold in March as it waited to see the extent of the inflationary and growth hits from the conflict. With uncertainty still high, another no-change decision is expected on Thursday. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.3543(Daily high ), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.3598(23.6%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.3436(50%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 1.3407(SMA 20).
AUD/USD: Australian dollar rose on Monday as lack of progress in peace talks weighed on investor sentiment.Iran on Wednesday captured two container ships seeking to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, tightening its grip on the crucial waterway, as investors watch if the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East will hold.The two sides now remain divided on a ceasefire, blockade, nuclear issues and control of the strait, leaving the strategic waterway still effectively shut and triggering an energy shock in a blow to economies across the world.On the data front, Australia’s manufacturing sector returned to expansion territory, with the latest survey from S&P Global on Thursday showing the manufacturing PMI rising to 51.0. Immediate resistance can be seen at 0.7228(23.6%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 0.7270(Higher BB).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 0.7120(38.2%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 0.7071(SMA20).
USD/JPY: The U.S. dollar dipped on Monday as yen firmed as investors awaited signals from the central bank on the timing of its next interest rate increase.BOJ widely expected to hold rates at 0.75% after its two-day meeting Tuesday.Focus shifts to quarterly outlook and Governor Kazuo Ueda’s guidance on how the ongoing Middle East conflict may shape future policy.Focus on how strongly Governor Kazuo Ueda signals a potential rate hike at the June meeting.Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday she did not see an immediate need to compile a supplementary budget to cushion the economic blow from the Middle East conflict. Immediate resistance can be seen at 159.43(Daily high) an upside break can trigger rise towards 160.00(Psychological level) .On the downside, immediate support is seen at 158.73(38.2%fib) a break below could take the pair towards 158.07(Lower BB).
Equities Recap
Asian shares were mixed on Monday as investors assessed the ongoing Middle East tensions.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up by 0.97 % , Hang Seng was up at 0.04 %, China A50 was down at 0.43%
Commodities Recap
Gold edged higher on Monday, supported by a softer dollar as a report of a new proposal by Iran to end the war with the U.S. raised hopes of a de-escalation in the Middle East conflict.
Spot gold was up ?0.4% at $4,726.62 per ounce, as of 0407 GMT. Last week, the metal fell ?2.5% to snap a four-week winning streak.U.S. gold futures for June delivery ?were steady at $4,742.
Oil prices extended gains on Monday, rising nearly 2% as peace talks between the U.S. and Iran stalled while shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited, keeping global oil supplies tight.
Brent ?crude futures rose $2.16, or 2.05%, to $107.49 a barrel by 2346 ?GMT, the highest since April 7, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate was at $96.17 a barrel, up $1.77, or 1.88%.