Monthly Archives: April 2026
Standard Chartered economists say Hong Kong’s SME index dropped to 43.3 in Q2 amid oil prices, Middle East tensions
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:51 am, by josephine
Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong SME index slipped to 43.3 in Q2, signalling weaker sentiment amid oil-price tensions.
Min Joo Kang says South Korea’s Q1 2026 GDP rose 1.7%, lifting 2026 growth forecast to 2.8%
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:37 am, by josephine
South Korea’s 1Q26 GDP jumped on chips and AI; 2Q slowdown looms amid energy disruptions, inflation.
Middle East tensions cooled risk demand, pushing GBP/JPY from 215.70 towards 215.00, with 216.00 rejected
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:34 am, by josephine
GBP/JPY retreats to 215.06, capped below 216.00; RSI cools, 215.00 break risks 214.00.
UOB economists say BSP began tightening, raised the RRP rate to 4.50%, supporting PHP and hinting more hikes
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:31 am, by josephine
BSP raised RRP to 4.50%, signaled more hikes; UOB sees 5.00% by end-2026. Inflation forecasts higher.
Amid strong US data and Middle East tensions, the dollar index holds near two-week highs, extending gains
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:28 am, by josephine
DXY holds near 98.70 on strong US data, geopolitics; oil rises, gold slips, majors mixed.
Philip Wee of DBS Research says Asian currencies consolidate cautiously as War Powers deadline nears, USD/CNY flattens
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:26 am, by josephine
Currency markets consolidate ahead of April 28 deadline; USD/CNY steadies as geopolitical tensions keep traders cautious.
Gold hovers near $4,700 as rising yields and Middle East tensions unsettle markets amid White House talks
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:23 am, by josephine
Gold slips to $4,716 as yields rise; Mideast tensions, strong PMIs shift Fed cuts outlook, supports watched.
Risk aversion grew as Iran denied Ghalibaf’s exit from talks, pushing US-session crude prices higher
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:20 am, by josephine
Headline claimed Iranian negotiator resigned, spiking oil and dollar; denials followed, while Trump-Iran rhetoric fueled uncertainty.
Bitcoin Tests $80K on ETF Demand
Written on April 24, 2026 at 3:20 am, by josephine
BTC trades near $78,000 as ETF inflows, Strategy buying and $80,000 resistance shape the next move. | VT Markets
WTI rises for a fourth session as Hormuz strife and Ghalibaf rumours raise supply and negotiation worries
Written on April 24, 2026 at 1:26 am, by josephine
WTI crude rose for fourth day as Hormuz tensions escalated, blockade threats grew, and Iran talks stalled.
