Pakistan has reportedly intensified efforts to try and get US and Iran talks to proceed.It is reported that Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic contacts since Sunday so as to try and get the US and Iran to sit down for talks "as soon as Tuesday".

Iran and US Reaching a Mutually Acceptable Deal isn't as Evident as was Suggested.Market rallied last Friday after Iran's foreign minister declared the Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open'. At the same time other US (including President Trump) and non-US sources suggested that a deal on the nuclear program could be within reach.

US Dollar Index holds gains near 98.50 due to renewed Middle East tensions.US Dollar Index holds gains near 98.50 due to renewed Middle East tensions

JPY: Yen weakens as rate hike expectations fade – MUFG.JPY: Yen weakens as rate hike expectations fade – MUFG

Oil Jumps, Tech Ignores.Last week was marked by a questionable rally on hopes that peace was just around the corner, but weekend news dampened that optimism, and the week opens on a mixed note with many unanswered questions. The Strait of Hormuz is reportedly closed again, Iran is not happy with the US blockade and even less with a ship being seized a few hours ago, and is no longer willing to attend the upcoming negotiations until the blockade is lifted.

Oil Rebounds as US Seizes Iranian Ship in Blockade.In Sweden, Riksbank governor Erik Thedéen will be holding a speech with the title: “The old world order is cancelled: Investments for competitiveness and security”. Markets will be looking for comments on how the US-Iran war might impact the policy decision from the Riksbank going forward.

German producer prices in March see largest monthly jump since August 2022.That isn't a surprise with the jump being largely from a sharp increase in prices for almost all energy products. Mind you, the year-on-year figure was -3.3% in February.

US-Iran Ceasefire Frays as Tensions Rise; Dollar Firms While Markets Hold Steady.Markets began the week with a measured response to intensifying US–Iran tensions, even as the ceasefire showed visible signs of strain. The Dollar edged higher and oil prices rebounded, but broader markets remained composed, indicating that investors are not yet pricing a full shift toward conflict.

Natural Gas News: Weather-Driven Demand Supports Natural Gas Market Today.Natural gas prices rise as hot April 22–26 weather boosts cooling demand. Strong output and high inventory limit gains, keeping the market outlook balanced.

AUD/JPY loses traction to near 113.50 as US-Iran tensions escalate after ship seizure.AUD/JPY loses traction to near 113.50 as US-Iran tensions escalate after ship seizure

Rupee ticks up, but elevated oil prices restrict gains.The Indian rupee edged higher in early trading on Monday, supported by mild dollar selling from foreign banks. However, traders indicated that the upward move may remain limited due to elevated crude oil prices and continued importer hedging demand.

Markets tense up again upon return from the weekend.It's going to be another messy week, innit? Hopes for peace talks did not last long as Iran refused any concessions with the US continuing to maintain its military presence in the region.

Global cooperation on stablecoins critically important, BIS says.The head of the Bank for International Settlements has made a renewed call for international cooperation on how stablecoins are used, describing it as vital to ​prevent severe market fragmentation.

Pound Sterling stays weaker near 1.3500 as safe-haven demand lifts US Dollar.Pound Sterling stays weaker near 1.3500 as safe-haven demand lifts US Dollar

Japanese Yen softens on US-Iran tensions, intervention fears grow.Japanese Yen softens on US-Iran tensions, intervention fears grow

Japan Tertiary Industry Index (MoM) down to -0.4% in February from previous 1.7%.Japan Tertiary Industry Index (MoM) down to -0.4% in February from previous 1.7%

Dollar rebounds as Mideast tensions flare again.The US dollar strengthened to a one-week high against major currencies on Monday, only to give up some of its gains as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran prompted investors to seek safe-haven assets. The move followed developments over the weekend.

EUR/JPY Price Forecast: Tests 187.00 resistance as bullish bias holds.EUR/JPY Price Forecast: Tests 187.00 resistance as bullish bias holds

Bank Indonesia to hold rates at 4.75% through 2026 as Iran war fuels inflation risks: Reuters poll.Bank Indonesia (BI) is set to keep its key policy rate unchanged on Wednesday, according to all 31 economists ​polled by Reuters, with many paring bets for cuts this year as an Iran war-fuelled energy ‌shock pushes up inflation and pressures the rupiah.

investingLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Hormuz reclosure, oil up at the open..Oil prices surged at the open following Iran's re-imposition of a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening seen late last week. The move comes amid renewed escalation in the US–Iran conflict, though prices have since come off their highs as markets weigh the prospect of continued negotiations.

Rupee to open higher, Iran-US ceasefire uncertainty to cap upside.The Indian rupee is expected to open higher on Monday as traders weigh the durability of the Middle East ​ceasefire while questioning how much further the currency's recent rally ‌can extend.

US Dollar Index drifts higher above 98.00 on US-Iran tensions.US Dollar Index drifts higher above 98.00 on US-Iran tensions

India and South Korea target $50bn trade as both seek deeper economic ties.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, aiming to significantly deepen economic ties as both countries look to strengthen resilience against global supply chain disruptions.

China Holds LPR Steady for 11th Month, Signals Stability Amid Global Risks.The People's Bank of China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged for an 11th straight month in April, in line with expectations, as policymakers prioritize stability amid rising global uncertainty. The one-year loan prime rate was held at 3.0%, while the five-year LPR, a key reference for mortgage lending, stayed at 3.5%.

Carney says Canada must reduce US reliance as tariffs reshape trade outlook.Canada PM Carney said US ties are now a weakness as tariffs rise, signalling a push to diversify trade and investment amid growing economic uncertainty and tensions with Washington.

New Zealand Posts NZD 698M Trade Surplus as China, Australia Drive Export Growth.New Zealand's external sector showed resilience in March, with goods exports rising by 7.3% yoy to NZD 7.9B, outpacing imports which increased by 9.6% yoy to NZD 7.2B. The result was a monthly trade surplus of NZD 698M, larger than expectation of NZD 175M.

WTI climbs above $86.50 on renewed US–Iran Strait of Hormuz tensions.WTI climbs above $86.50 on renewed US–Iran Strait of Hormuz tensions

For the US, an Adverse Turn is in the Making.Headlines tied to the US economy continue to focus on President Trump's Middle East actions and the consequences for global energy prices. Abstracting from this news storm, however, the message from available economic data is the US economy slowed below trend ahead of the conflict, leaving the economy at risk of stalling, at least briefly.

China Set to Benefit from Global Energy Unrest.China's economy has begun 2026 in good health despite the conflict in the Middle East, registering annual GDP growth of 5.0% in Q1. In time, recent developments are likely to prove a net positive for China, spurring greater demand for green technology across developed and developing markets.

Pound Sterling remains on the back foot as US-Iran tensions lift USD; bears seem hesitant.Pound Sterling remains on the back foot as US-Iran tensions lift USD; bears seem hesitant