March 18, 2026 7:36 am
Key Moments USD/CHF trades around 0.7850 in Asian hours after recovering from two straight sessions of losses. Markets largely anticipate the Federal Reserve will leave its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75%, marking a second consecutive pause. Safe-haven demand supports the Swiss Franc amid geopolitical tensions, while the SNB signals readiness to intervene in FX markets. […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 3:20 pm
Key Moments Bitcoin last traded 1% higher at $74,215 by 10:45 ET (14:45 GMT) after briefly touching $75,991.2 in the prior 24 hours. Geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, along with oil above $100 per barrel, kept risk sentiment cautious. Mastercard agreed to acquire stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK in a deal valued at […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 2:28 pm
Key Moments Qualcomm announced a new $20 billion stock buyback program following a sharp decline in its share price. The new authorization is in addition to an existing $2.1 billion repurchase plan and comes alongside a quarterly dividend increase to $0.92 per share. The company continues to diversify beyond smartphones into data center and autonomous […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 1:38 pm
Key Moments Nvidia projected as much as $1tn in artificial intelligence-driven orders by 2027 during its GTC developer conference. The company unveiled new chip platforms, including technology licensed from start-up Groq and designs aimed at space-based data centers. Nvidia shares edged up 0.3% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, even as investors weigh sustainability of its […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 1:09 pm
Key Moments Chinese aluminum production has increased nearly 3% year-on-year and is running above the government’s annualized cap. Aluminum prices have risen 9% since the onset of the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Commerzbank warns that Chinese smelters may need to reduce production later in the year if Beijing does […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 10:43 am
Key Moments Amazon introduced 1-hour and 3-hour shipping in U.S. markets, including major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. The 1-hour service covers more than 90,000 items and uses Amazon’s existing same-day delivery infrastructure, with grocery options available in select areas. Prime members pay $9.99 for 1-hour delivery and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery, while non-Prime […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 10:27 am
Key Moments RBA raised its policy rate by 25 bps to 4.10%, the highest among G10 central banks, in a second consecutive hike. AUD/USD initially climbed to 0.7094 after the decision but subsequently surrendered those gains. Markets continued to price in additional RBA tightening amid elevated inflation risks and a hawkish bias. Policy Move and […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 10:04 am
Key Moments Honeywell International’s CEO said the Middle East conflict could reduce first-quarter revenue by a high-single-digit percentage. The company is maintaining its 2026 financial targets, calling the disruption a tactical, timing-related issue. Honeywell’s shares have declined about 3.7% since the conflict started more than two weeks ago. Short-Term Headwinds From Middle East Conflict March […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 9:36 am
Key Moments USD/CHF traded around 0.7880 on Tuesday in Europe after giving back earlier intraday gains. Markets expected the Federal Reserve to leave its policy rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% at Wednesday’s meeting. The Swiss Franc may draw safe-haven support from ongoing geopolitical tensions, although SNB intervention risk could restrain further appreciation. USD/CHF Holds Steady After […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 9:18 am
Key Moments USD/JPY has been capped just below 160.00, with a recent high of 159.49 amid renewed intervention concerns. Finance Minister Katayama has intensified verbal warnings, stating authorities are “fully prepared to respond at any time.” The roughly 2% Yen slide since the Middle East conflict began has been broadly consistent with US Dollar gains […]
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