North American Summary and Highlights 22 Apr

European and North American sessions

Despite Trump’s extension of the ceasefire, with the US continuing its blockade of Iran and Iran responding by seizing two ships in the Gulf, Middle East tensions persisted and the USD made modest gains. USD/JPY rose to 159.50 from 159.20 and EUR/USD fell to 1.1710 from 1.1740. EUR/GBP slipped to .867 from .869 with UK CPI rising to 3.3% in March from 3.0%, on consensus. EUR/CHF in contrast rose above .9180 from below .9170. AUD/USD and USD/CAD were fairly stable near .9160 and 1.3660 respectively with equities resilient, supported by solid earnings results.