Asia Summary and Highlights 20 Apr
Geopolitical Tension Arises Again
Asia Session
Major currency pairs opened in favor of the haven USD after weekend headlines regarding U.S. seizing Iranian ships receive attention, but are seeing gaps trying to close. However, there doesn't seem to be help from headlines, as we hear from U.S. Waltz says strikes remain option ahead of talks. AUD/USD is now trading 0.25% lower from Friday close but pip away from closing the opening gap. NZD/USD is trading 0.16% lower at 0.5872 while USD/CAD rises 0.05% with both Brent and WTI still above Friday's close.
The broader sentiment improves throughout the Monday Asia session as Pakistani media reported that gaps between the United States and Iran have narrowed in recent days. But with major disputes remain, such maybe hard to bridge in a short run. USD remain broadly stronger and see USD/JPY trading 0.23% higher at 158.95. Else, EUR/USD is 0.11% lower and GBP/USD is down 0.22%.