Author: FX

Iranian officials land at Nur Khan Airbase in Islamabad under Pakistan’s Air Force escort ahead of peace talks, two Pakistani sources involved in talks Iranian delegation led by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad ahead of peace talks with U.S. Iran says talks with U.S. to begin if “preconditions are accepted” – Iranian media Iranian media says Iran’s delegation includes foreign minister, defence council secretary, central bank governor and several parliament membersThe U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, and including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkopf are expected to arrive shortly. This article was written by Greg Michalowski…

The GBPUSD is heading into the close trading near the lower end of a well-defined swing-area ceiling between 1.34708 and 1.3488 (see red numbered circles on the chart below). This zone has repeatedly capped upside attempts over the past six or so weeks, making it a key barometer for buyer conviction. Each test has attracted sellers, but the fact that the pair is once again pressing into the lower bound of that range suggests buyers are not backing down. If the price can build momentum and extend above the top of this ceiling area, it would signal a meaningful shift…

ING’s Chief Economist for Greater China, Lynn Song, highlights that Taiwan’s March trade data far exceeded expectations, with exports and imports surging and the trade surplus more than doubling year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. The report stresses Taiwan’s growing dependence on tech-related exports, rising export prices, and significant upside surprises that are prompting an upgrade to 2026 GDP growth forecasts despite energy-related risks.Tech-led trade boom reshapes growth outlook”Despite the upside surprise in import growth, the boom in exports far outweighed the faster imports when we look at the trade balance. Taiwan’s trade balance rose to a five-month high…

Fars is reporting that Israel will announce it’s commitment to a ceasefire at 4 AM Beirut time (it is 10:15 PM now in Beirut). The announcement gives a path to peace talks between the US and Iran this weekend…WHat to expect?The U.S. position, led by JD Vance, is centered on security and stability. The primary goal is to eliminate any pathway for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, which means strict limits—or potentially a halt—to uranium enrichment, backed by strong verification and inspection measures. The U.S. is also pushing for the reopening and protection of the Strait of Hormuz to…

The S&P 500 is struggling to hold onto what would mark its eighth consecutive day of gains on Friday. The index rose 0.2% by lunchtime, aided by a slightly lower core Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading than expected and expectations of a negotiated settlement between the US and Iran over the coming weekend, only to sink to -0.1% by the late afternoon.  The S&P 500 has risen nearly 8% off its March 30 lows over the past eight sessions, particularly boosted by the initial call for a ceasefire on Tuesday evening. US Vice-President JD Vance is heading to Islamabad, Pakistan, with…

Gold (XAU/USD) price remains steady on Friday, poised to finish the week with gains of almost 2% as the US Dollar tumbles amid optimism about Iran-US talks in Pakistan throughout the weekend. Also, a mildly high US inflation report trimmed the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) dovish bets for 2026. The XAU/USD pair trades at $4,763, up 0.01%.Gold’s faith in US-Iran talksAn improvement in risk appetite pushed bullion prices higher, even though Israel’s attacks on Lebanon continued, threatening to end the two-week ceasefire agreed by the US and Iran. On the other hand, Tehran has also failed to open the Strait of…

The price of crude oil is settling at $96.57. That is down $-1.30 or -1.33% on the day.For the week, the price is down $-16 or -14.29%. The price is also below the 100 and 200 hour moving averages at $102.87 and $103.57. The big catalyst was the announcement of a cease-fire and the potential for the re-opening of the Straits of Hormuz. Although, not fully open (it is virtually closed still), the market is discounting some sort of reopening soon). The June contract is trading at $89.13.The price low on February 26 came in at $63.81, just ahead of…

Prior month -$308 billion Federal budget deficit $164 billion versus $156.75 billion estimate. A year ago, the deficit was $161 billionDetails:Fiscal 2026 year-to-date deficit $1.169 trillion versus $1.307 trillion in 2025. Down 11% YoYMarch Net customs receipts and $22.16 billionBudget outlays $549 billion versus $528 billion in March 2025Receipt $385 billion, record for month of March, versus $368 billion in March 2025.Corporate refunds up 77%individual refunds up 9%Defense spending 3% higher compared to one year agoSome additional looks:War-related outlays, such as for replenishing weapons ​inventories, would come in later months.Customs duty ​collections softened in the month following the U.S. Supreme…

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority is reporting that PM Netanyahu approves every attack launched in Beiriut (Lebanon).Pres. Trump is trying to get Israel and Netanyahu stop the attacks in Lebanon on Hezbollah. According to this report if there are additional tariffs, the buck stops at Netanyahu (and threatens the peace process).As we head into the weekend, stocks are giving back earlier gains, with both the Dow and S&P slipping into negative territory. The Dow is down -0.63% and the S&P is lower by -0.19%. The NASDAQ is still holding modest gains of +0.17%, but well off its session highs where it…

The major European indices are closing the day with mixed results. The gains were led by Italy’s FTSE MIB which is closing just below its all-time high price reached back to 2000 at 48909.04.Spain’s Ibex close at 18204.31, which is getting close to its all-time high close of 18573.83. A look at the daily closes showsGerman DAX (DEU40): -0.01% France’s CAC 40 (CAC40): +0.17% UK’s FTSE 100 (UKX): -0.03% Spain’s IBEX 35 (IBC): +0.55% Italy’s FTSE MIB (FTMIB): +0.59%for the trading week, the indices are all higher: German DAX, +2.74%France’s CAC, +3.73%.UK’s FTSE 100 +1.57%Spain’s Ibex, +3.69%Italy’s FTSE MIB, +4.35%…