Market News

• How have interest rate expectations changed after this week's events?
• ECB policymaker Wunsch says upside surprises in inflation would justify further tightening
• ECB policymaker Lane sees the current inflation shock as "mid-sized", defends rate hike
• USD/JPY is near the highest level since 1986 as divergence with the Fed intensifies
• UK May retail sales +1.2% vs +0.5% m/m expected
• FX option expiries for 19 June 10am New York cut
• What are the main events for today?

It's been a very light session with no major data or news releases. The markets were also pretty calm with things expected to die down further during the NA session due to the US holiday. As a reminder, the US stock market and bond market will be closed and will resume trading on Monday.…

The votes are in. The industry's most credible awards, the UF AWARDS GLOBAL 2026, have announced this year's winners, recognising the best brokers, technology providers and fintech brands operating on the global stage. Following a Voting Round that concluded on 15 June, the results were revealed at the Award Ceremony held on 17 June at the City of Dreams Mediterranean. The ceremony took place during iFX EXPO International 2026 but remains a fully independent event with its own distinct scope.

This edition was particularly special as it overlapped with the UF AWARDS' fifth anniversary. Celebrating the best in the industry for five years is an important milestone, with so many shifts in the market. As new trends emerge and more ambitious…

•  Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.2%, Shanghai Composite down 0.45% Hang Seng down 1.68% ASX down 1.20%
• Commodities : Gold at $4,138.87 (-1.13%) Silver at $63.80 (-3.09%), Brent Oil at $79.52 (-0.30%), WTI Oil at $76.51 (-0.41%)
• Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.463, UK 10-year yield at 4.7610, Germany 10-year yield at 2.9310

• (GBP) Official Bank rate 3.75%  to 3.75%  expected

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Friday, with South Korea leading regional gains as technology stocks surged. The benchmark Kospi extended its record-setting rally, supported by strong advances in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, both of which reached all-time highs. Investors also monitored…

IC Markets Global – Europe Fundamental Forecast | 19 June 2026

What happened in the Asia session?

A combination of persistent U.S. dollar strength, renewed pressure on the Japanese yen, and ongoing geopolitical concerns in the Middle East. The yen’s slide toward multi-decade lows kept intervention fears at the forefront of market discussions, making USD/JPY and yen crosses the primary focus for traders. At the same time, elevated oil prices continued to influence inflation expectations and risk sentiment across the region.

What does it mean for the Europe & US sessions?

This week’s Federal Reserve meeting, the strength of the U.S. dollar, falling oil prices, and the implications for global inflation and interest-rate expectations. The Fed…

US Markets Rally as Strait Opens Again – Nasdaq up 1.9%

US equity markets pushed higher overnight, with technology stocks leading the advance as investor sentiment continued to improve following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Nasdaq was the standout performer, rallying 1.91% to close at 26,517, while the S&P 500 gained 1.08% to finish at 7,500. The Dow Jones added a more modest 0.14%, ending the session at 51,564.

In bond markets, Treasury yields pulled back after Wednesday’s post-Federal Reserve rally, with the 2-year yield falling 0.8 basis points to 4.177% and the benchmark 10-year yield declining 3.4 basis points to 4.453%. Despite the retreat in yields, the US dollar continued to strengthen against the major…

IC Markets Global – Asia Fundamental Forecast | 19 June 2026

What happened in the U.S. session?

The overnight U.S. session was dominated by a hawkish Federal Reserve hold. While the Fed kept rates unchanged, stronger retail sales, resilient labor market conditions, and updated Fed projections reinforced expectations that U.S. monetary policy could remain restrictive for longer. As a result, the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields moved higher, equities weakened, gold came under pressure, and oil traders balanced geopolitical support against the headwind of a stronger dollar.

What does it mean for the Asia Session?

The aftershocks of the FOMC decision, BoJ normalization spillovers, and the evolving US–Iran geopolitical unwind through the…

• Prior -1.3%
• Retail sales +xx% vs +1.9% y/y expected
• Prior +0.0%
• Retail sales ex autos, fuel xx% vs +0.4% m/m expected
• Prior -0.4%
• Retail sales ex autos, fuel +xx% vs +3.3% y/y expected
• Prior +1.1%

• Japan CPI stays muted in May as subsidies mask building inflation pressure
• Oil and US dollar rising on news that Vance cancelled his trip to negotiate with Iran
• BoJ deputy governor says delaying on price risks could cause long-term economic damage
• Vance cancels his trip to Switzerland
• Japan finmin says prepared to take decisive action on speculative FX moves
• BoJ's Deputy governor warns yen moves now carry bigger inflation punch than in the past
• China says Australian beef imports hit 100% of quota on June 18th
• BoJ April minutes: Three members wanted to move in April; the rest caught up by June
• Japan May inflation data: Headline 1.5% y/y (expected 1.5%) Core 1.4% (expected 1.4%)
• UK consumer confidence masks growing cracks beneath steady headline
• New…

US Vice President JD Vance has canceled his planned trip to Switzerland for talks with Iran, citing unresolved logistics and uncertainty surrounding the next round of negotiations.

First reported by CNN then confirmed by the Whiote House.

This stumble so early in the peace process has sent a shudder through markets, continued at this stage, with the USD and oil on the rise.

One of those headlines that''' trigger a wobble down, will soon pass.