Published: 2026-04-23T19:44:29.000Z
North American Summary and Highlights 23 Apr
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Overview - Middle East tensions persisted, keeping the USD supported in subdued trade.
European and North American sessions
The USD was slightly firmer on Middle East concerns, with a North American afternoon boost coming from a report of Iran activating air defenses. Ranges were tight, but USD/JPY nudged above 159.50 and EUR/USD edged below 1.17. EUR/GBP and EUR/CHF were little changed, recovering from early dips. USD/CAD rose to 1.37 from 1.3680 while AUD/USD edged below .7150.
US initial claims rise to a still subdued 214k from 208k in April’s payroll survey week. April’s US S and P PMIs were stronger, manufacturing at 54.0 from 52.3 and services at 51.3 from 49.8.