Rupee faces more pressure on rising Mideast tensions; oil at 2-week high.The Indian rupee is set to extend its losing streak at Friday's open, weighed down by a persistent rally in oil ​prices that has put the currency back under pressure ‌after a brief respite.

Cliff Notes: Middle East Conflict Seemingly at an Impasse.Regarding the Middle East conflict, the week began with the expectation of a second round of in-person talks between the US and Iran. The start of the negotiations was initially pushed from Tuesday to Wednesday; but President Trump then announced on Truth Social that the meeting had been postponed at the request of Pakistani and Iranian officials to allow time for a “unified proposal” to be developed to be put to the US.

USD/JPY Edges Up, Can It Sustain Gradual Upside Trend?.Looking at the 4-hour chart, the pair settled above the 159.00 level, the 100 simple moving average (red, 4-hour), and the 200 simple moving average (green, 4-hour). Besides, the pair cleared a key bearish trend line with resistance at 159.35.

Asia shares mixed, oil advances on US-Iran deadlock.Asia shares struggled on Friday and oil prices resumed their rise, as a shaky ceasefire in the Middle East war and stalled ​U.S.-Iran peace talks gave investors little to cheer.

Canadian Dollar steadies as US Dollar firms on safe-haven demand.Canadian Dollar steadies as US Dollar firms on safe-haven demand

Japanese Yen hangs near two-week low vs USD as Japan's National CPI fails to impress bulls.Japanese Yen hangs near two-week low vs USD as Japan's National CPI fails to impress bulls

WTI trades near 95.50 after trimming latest losses.WTI trades near 95.50 after trimming latest losses

Pound Sterling steadies above two-week low vs USD; bulls seem hesitant amid Iran tensions.Pound Sterling steadies above two-week low vs USD; bulls seem hesitant amid Iran tensions

Dollar set for weekly gain on stalled US-Iran talks and Middle East uncertainty.The dollar was ​on track for its first weekly gain in three weeks on Friday, as stalled peace negotiations between the ‌U.S. and Iran dampened hopes for an immediate easing of Middle East tensions.

Japan's Katayama: Warns of decisive action on speculation.Japan's Katayama: Warns of decisive action on speculation

RBI a net buyer of US dollars in February.The Reserve Bank of India became a net buyer of $7.4 billion in February, a shift from January's net sales. This likely benefited from a stronger rupee after the India-US trade deal announcement.

Japan core inflation holds at 1.8% but energy shock threatens renewed surge.Japan core CPI rose 1.8% y/y in March, matching forecasts but staying below BOJ's 2% target for a second month. Iran war energy shock seen pushing inflation higher in coming months.

Australian Dollar softens on escalating Middle East tensions.Australian Dollar softens on escalating Middle East tensions

Japan FinMin Katayama warns of decisive action on speculation.Japan FinMin Katayama warns of rising oil price speculation and vows decisive action in coordination with the US. Currency swap lines with Washington remain unchanged.

Yuan to top Yen in currency options trading: LCH.The yuan is poised to surpass the yen as the second-most traded currency against the dollar in foreign-exchange options, according to LCH. This shift, expected by 2028, reflects growing yuan internationalization and market demand for currency diversification beyond the dollar.

Rupee breaches 94/$ for first time in April.The Indian Rupee fell for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday. This decline followed the Reserve Bank of India's decision to remove restrictions on foreign exchange trading.

Bank of Japan inflation gauge surges. Services PPI 3.1% vs..The Corporate Service Price Index (CSPI) released by the Bank of Japan measures the prices of services traded among companies. It presents price developments that reflect most sensitively the supply and demand conditions in the services market.

Japan Corporate Service Price Index (YoY) rose from previous 2.7% to 3.1% in March.Japan Corporate Service Price Index (YoY) rose from previous 2.7% to 3.1% in March

US eyes targeting Iran's Hormuz defenses if no ceasefire — CNN.US eyes targeting Iran's Hormuz defenses if no ceasefire — CNN

Japan National CPI ex Food, Energy (YoY) fell from previous 2.5% to 2.4% in March.Japan National CPI ex Food, Energy (YoY) fell from previous 2.5% to 2.4% in March

Japan national March 2026 Core CPI 1.8% y/y (vs. expected 1.8%, prior 1.6%).Japan inflation data for Match 2026. I'll post separately on details and BOJ/yen implications.

United Kingdom GfK Consumer Confidence came in at -25 below forecasts (-24) in April.United Kingdom GfK Consumer Confidence came in at -25 below forecasts (-24) in April

USD/PHP: BSP hike overshadowed by Oil shock – BBH.USD/PHP: BSP hike overshadowed by Oil shock – BBH

Trump warns UK: drop digital services tax or face fresh tariffs.Trump threatens fresh UK tariffs unless London drops its 2% digital services tax on large US tech platforms. The levy raises £800m annually and has survived prior UK-US trade talks.

Crude Oil Price Forecast: Key Averages Define Next Move.Crude oil tests key resistance after reclaiming the 20-day average, with support levels below and Fibonacci targets above guiding the next potential directional move.

Economic and event calendar in Asia Friday, April 24, 2026. Japan inflation data.National inflation data from Japan for March 2026 is due. Tokyo's March consumer price data, released three weeks ago, offers a useful early read on the national figures due today.

ASEAN FX: External gaps seen manageable – BNY.ASEAN FX: External gaps seen manageable – BNY

Natural Gas Price Forecast: Breakdown Extends Bearish Structure.Natural gas breaks lower from a flag pattern, testing key support zones as bearish momentum builds, with Fibonacci levels and swing supports pointing to further downside risk.

The tone sours again ahead of a risky weekend – North American Session Market Wrap for April 23.April 23, 2026 North-American Session Recap – The tone in Markets is turning rather pessimistic after remaining almost delusional throughout the entire week, despite strong PMIs. Check up the latest trends and developments, daily asset and FX performance, what changed fundamentally and what's coming up in the session ahead.

Hong Kong: Geopolitics weighs on outlook – Standard Chartered.Hong Kong: Geopolitics weighs on outlook – Standard Chartered