Market Drivers; US Session

Market Focus Shifts to FOMC Minutes

The US Dollar weakened at the start of the week as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East eased and investors anticipated the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes. The FOMC minutes, along with a slew of US economic data, including housing market indicators and consumer confidence figures, will be closely watched by market participants.

Currency Pair Updates:

• EUR/USD: The Euro strengthened against the US Dollar, breaking above the 1.0500 level, driven by the weakening Greenback.

• GBP/USD: The British Pound recovered from recent losses, briefly surpassing the 1.2600 mark.

• USD/JPY: The US Dollar weakened against the Japanese Yen, with the pair testing the 153.00 level.

• AUD/USD: The Australian Dollar trimmed losses and regained the 0.6500 level.

Commodities:

Crude Oil: Oil prices declined as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East eased.

Gold and Silver: Gold and Silver prices fell sharply as the prospect of a ceasefire in the Middle East reduced safe-haven demand.

Key Economic Events:

United States: FOMC Minutes, FHFA House Price Index, S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, New Home Sales, Consumer Confidence, Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index, Dallas Fed Services Index, API Weekly Crude Oil Inventory Report

United Kingdom: CBI Distributive Trades

Australia: RBA Monthly CPI Indicator, Q3 Construction Work Done