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Reuters is reporting the latest comments delivered by US President Donald Trump in his interview with the Financial Times (FT).Key quotesThe US could ‘take the oil in Iran’.The US could seize the export hub of Kharg Island,Number of Pakistan-flagged oil tankers Iran had permitted through the Strait of Hormuz had now been doubled to 20.Could take Kharg Island ‘very easily’.Iranians have no defense on Kharg Island.Discussions with Tehran are “doing extremely well” and expressed optimism that a deal could be reached “pretty soon.” Indirect talks via emissaries progressing well.A deal could be made ‘fairly quickly’.Separately, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported…

Banks will be forced to unwind their long dollar positions in the domestic forex market following a late-Friday directive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a move that could push the Rupee up by as much as 100 paise against the US Dollar when markets open on Monday.The RBI’s March 27 direction mandates that authorised dealers keep their Net Open Position–Indian Rupee (NOP-INR) in the onshore deliverable market within $100 million at the end of each business day, effectively curbing large long-dollar bets that have been adding to pressure on the domestic currency.The move comes after the Rupee has…

Currently Prithvi Exchange’s revenue mix includes about 50% from currencies, 30% from sales of cards and 16% from remittances. (Representational image) Prithvi Exchange, a Chennai-based foreign exchange service provider, will soon launch forex cards under its own name.The company, which currently is an authorised reseller of forex cards from banks like ICICI and IndusInd, said that its own cards will be launched by the first quarter of FY27.Speaking to businessline,Pavan Kavad, Managing Director, Prithvi Exchange, said that issuing cards under the company’s own brand name will allow it to control factors like pricing and user experience. “It becomes more economical…

The raging war in West Asia continues to have a deleterious effect on the rupee, which closed at a new all time low on Friday (March 27, 2026). With the rupee depreciating about 4 per cent since the West Asia war began on February 28, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India has asked authorised dealers to ensure that their net open position – Indian Rupee (NOP-INR) – in the onshore deliverable market shall be maintained within $100 million at the end of each business day.The move is probably aimed at reducing large bets against the Indian currency and preventing sharp…

DBS Group Research economist Chua Han Teng highlights that Thailand’s financial markets, particularly the Thai Baht (THB) and equities, are under pressure due to vulnerability to Middle East conflict-related commodity shocks. The report notes that upside inflation risks from the Iran war have likely closed room for further Bank of Thailand (BoT) easing, with markets pricing an unchanged policy rate for at least six months.Baht under pressure as policy constrained”Thailand’s financial markets remain under pressure, with the Thai baht (-5.3%) the worst-performing currency in the ASEAN-6 region month-to-date, while the benchmark equity index also lost ground (-5.8%). The underperformance reflects…

UOB’s Global Economics & Markets Research, via Julia Goh and Loke Siew Ting, notes that the central bank of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) kept the RRP (Reverse Repurchase Rate) rate at 4.25% in an off-cycle meeting as supply-driven inflation and Middle East risks intensify. The bank expects a prolonged policy pause, with core inflation and second-round effects guiding decisions and fiscal policy taking a larger role.BSP seen on prolonged policy pause”In view of the fluid situation and uncertainty over the duration and severity of the Middle East conflict, we maintain a cautious stance and continue to expect…

Silver (XAG/USD) price turns positive on Friday after posting back-to-back bearish sessions, as heightened tensions in the Middle East decreased the white metal’s safe-haven appeal, prompting traders to turn to the US Dollar (USD). Nevertheless, buyers emerged, pushing XAG/USD higher and driving it near the $70.00 figure, up 2.70%.XAG/USD Price Forecast: Technical OutlookSilver price seems poised to consolidate further after falling below the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), which remains above the spot price as a key resistance level at $73.66.Bears remain in charge, as indicated by the Relative Strength Index (RSI), though the index has been trending upwards towards…

Commerzbank economists Dr. Henry Hao and Volkmar Baur say China’s industrial profits surged early in 2026, led by AI-related electronics, but this strength predates the recent energy shock. With higher Oil prices now squeezing downstream margins and ending producer-price deflation via cost-push inflation, they argue the PBoC is unlikely to allow a strong CNY appreciation that could further hurt exporters.Energy shock complicates currency stance”This energy shock could act as a double-edged sword.””This results in a two-speed economy where upstream energy giants hoard profits at the expense of the broader factory floor.””While the end of the deflationary drag removes a persistent…

DBS Group Research expects Indonesia’s March CPI inflation to stay firm at 4% year-on-year, slightly below February’s 4.8%, but with a faster monthly pace. Analysts highlight the impact of higher energy prices and festive demand, as well as base effects. Policy options include holding retail fuel prices via budget savings, though prolonged conflict could force price hikes or subsidy cuts.CPI seen firm on energy and holidays”March inflation is expected to remain firm at 4% yoy, compared to 4.8% in the previous month, with a faster month-on-month pace than earlier averages, reflecting the initial impact of elevated energy prices and festival-driven…

Gold (XAU/USD) price rallies over 3% on Friday as dip buyers emerge, amid the conflict entering its fifth week of hostilities, with no signs of de-escalation, and as inflation pressures rise. At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades at $4,510 after bouncing off daily lows of $4,375.Heightened geopolitical tensions underpin Gold, Oil and the US DollarMarket sentiment remains dismal as US equities fall to 7-month lows. The rise in US Treasury bond yields and broad US Dollar strength has not been an excuse for bullion buyers, who are driving prices higher amid growing uncertainty over the Middle East conflict.The US…