In January 2026, the Fed held rates at 3.50–3.75%, signaling "solid" growth and hawkish restraint despite two dissents. Amid Japan’s bond instability and a surging gold market, Powell’s "no-cut" stance warns of structural asset inflation.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $63.60 during the Asian trading hours on Thursday.

Oil markets continue to strengthen amid growing concern over a possible escalation between the US and Iran

​​​​​​​AUD/USD extends its gains for the third successive session, trading around 0.7040 during the Asian hours on Thursday.