BOJ holds interest rates unchanged
The Bank of Japan voted to hold interest rates unchanged at 0.5% at this week’s meeting, already the highest since 2008 as expected by most analysts.
The vote to maintain rates was unanimous by all nine members of the Bank of Japan’s governing board.
Ripple surges 8% as risk appetite rebounds
Ripple rallied on Monday as the risk appetite improved with signs of calm in the Middle Eastern conflict.
A report by the NBC news showed Tehran asked several countries to intervene and urge the US administration to pressure Israel and stop the escalation, with Tehran willing to show flexibility in its nuclear program.
US President Donald Trump asserted Iran has sent indirect messages expressing desire to de-escalate.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hopes that G7 leaders meeting currently in Canada could reach an agreement to contain the conflict.
Iranian officials told western media that their country can't negotiate a ceasefire if Israel continues its attacks.
Investors also digested disappointing manufacturing data released earlier today ahead of the Fed's policy decision tomorrow.
The markets fully expect the Fed to maintain interest rates unchanged.
Ripple
On trading, ripple surged 7.9% on Coinmarketcap to $2.33.
Oil drops amid signs of calm in the Middle East
Oil prices fell on Monday as Iran expressed desire to de-escalate the situation with Israel and resume nuclear talks, reducing energy supply concerns.
A report by the NBC news showed Tehran asked several countries to intervene and urge the US administration to pressure Israel and stop the escalation, with Tehran willing to show flexibility in its nuclear program.
US President Donald Trump asserted Iran has sent indirect messages expressing desire to de-escalate.
In its report today, OPEC maintained its outlook for growth in global demand on oil unchanged at 1.3 million bpd in 2025 and 2026 despite trade concerns.
At the close, Brent August futures fell 1.4%, or a dollar to $73.23 a barrel.
US crude futures fell 1.66%, or $1.21 to $71.77 a barrel.
Aussie rises amid surging demand on commodity currencies
The Australian dollar rose against most major rivals on Monday on strong demand on commodity currency as the US dollar weakened.
It comes despite a 1% loss in gold’s price, with the Aussie normally attached to gold as one of the most important Australian exports.
The AUD/USD price rose 0.7% as of 20:42 GMT to $0.653.
Loonie
The Canadian dollar rose 0.1% against its US counterpart as of 20:42 GMT to $0.7369.
US Dollar
The dollar index fell 0.1% as of 20:27 GMT to 98.98, with a session-high at 98.3, and a low at 97.6.
US President Trump expressed hope that both sides reach a ceasefire, but added that countries sometimes need to "fight it out" first, and asserted continuous US support for Israel.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hopes that G7 leaders meeting currently in Canada could reach an agreement to contain the conflict.
Iranian officials told western media that their country can't negotiate a ceasefire if Israel continues its attacks.
Investors also digested disappointing manufacturing data released earlier today ahead of the Fed's policy decision tomorrow.
The markets fully expect the Fed to maintain interest rates unchanged.