The late afternoon in the US brought news that Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu had told the US that Israel will strike Iranian military, not nuclear or oil, targets. This sign of restraint saw oil drop sharply. The lower price extended a little further during the Asian trading session so far.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari spoke, not adding a lot to his earlier comments during the US session and not shifting around major FX rates noticeably.

Apart from these, news and data flow was very light.

Major FX rates maintained limited ranges only. USD/JPY dipped briefly under 149.50 before moving back to the middle of its session range around 149.65.

The yuan lost ground, with CNY hitting its weakest since September 19.

Chinese mainland equities were mixed but Hong Kong was weak.

brent crude wrap 15 October 2024 2