The US Dollar rose to its highest level in over three months this Friday, heading for its second consecutive weekly gain since the start of the war with Iran. Traders have increasingly shifted toward the American currency as a preferred safe-haven asset amid a general aversion to risk.
اضافة اعلان
Simultaneously, the Euro fell to its lowest point since November, while Japan signaled its readiness to hedge against the decline of the Yen, which hit a 20-month low.
Geopolitical & Energy Impact
Against a backdrop of surging oil prices, the United States has permitted the sale of certain Russian petroleum products previously sanctioned due to Moscow's hostilities in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Iran has escalated attacks on oil and shipping facilities across the Middle East. The new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, effectively halting most Gulf shipping.
Dollar Index (DXY): The index reached its highest level since November 26, driven by its safe-haven appeal and the US status as a net energy exporter. The index rose 0.16% to 99.83, on track for a 1% weekly gain.
Euro (EUR): Dropped 0.08% to $1.1501, a level not seen since late November.
Yen (JPY): Fell to 159.69 against the dollar, its weakest since July 2024.
Pound Sterling (GBP): Lost 0.08%, falling to $1.333.
Military & Strategic Developments
Nearly two weeks after the U.S. and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury," the conflict has expanded significantly.
Munitions Crisis: Reports from the Financial Times suggest the Trump administration has already depleted years' worth of vital munitions stockpiles.
Military Incidents: Rescue operations are ongoing in western Iraq following the fatal crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft on Thursday, which left four crew members dead.
Strategic Reserves: The International Energy Agency (IEA) unanimously agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil to curb price hikes.
Central Bank Watch
Market focus is shifting to next week's central bank meetings in the US, Europe, and Japan. Traders are adjusting expectations:
ECB: Markets now anticipate a potential rate hike as early as June.
US Fed: Expectations for a rate cut have been pushed back from July to December, with the possibility of rates remaining unchanged due to the energy crisis.
Cryptocurrencies
Despite the traditional market volatility, digital assets showed resilience:
Bitcoin: Rose 1.90% to $71,527.50.
Ether: Jumped 2.23% to $2,109.03.
Source: Reuters
