Japan 3-Month Bill Auction

France Budget Balance

Switzerland procure.ch Manufacturing PMI

Italy HCOB Manufacturing PMI

Japan aims to finalize a trade agreement with the U.S. by June, with talks expected to intensify in mid-May, according to Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa after the latest round of discussions in Washington. The meeting, which included top U.S. officials such as Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, was described as "frank and open," though many issues stay unresolved. Akazawa reiterated Tokyo’s view that President Trump’s tariff measures are "extremely regrettable" and urged their reconsideration. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato suggested Japan’s large U.S. Treasury holdings could serve as a bargaining chip, saying, “It does exist as a card,” though it’s unclear if it will be used. This stance differs from a previous position taken by ruling party officials. Akazawa noted that foreign reserves, FX policy, national security, and China were not discussed. A deal may be reached at the G7 summit in June before the tariff pause ends in July.

Japan Eyes June Trade Deal with U.S. as Talks Intensify

The Australian dollar climbed above $0.64 on Friday, rebounding from the previous session’s losses as growing optimism over US-China trade negotiations lifted global sentiment. China announced it is evaluating the prospect of trade talks following multiple outreach attempts by US officials. Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump also suggested potential trade deals with India, Japan, and South Korea, while expressing optimism about an agreement with China. On the domestic front, data showed Australian retail sales rose 0.3% in March, slightly below expectations of 0.4%. Combined with softening core inflation, the latest figures bolstered market expectations of a near-term rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The RBA is widely anticipated to lower its cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% in May, with markets pricing in a further decline to 2.85% by year-end.

Australian Dollar Climbs on US-China Trade Hopes

Indonesia’s consumer prices rose by 1.95% year-on-year in April 2025, accelerating from a 1.03% increase in the previous month. This marked the highest annual reading since August 2024, driven by a rebound in spending during the Eid al-Fitr festivities. Despite the uptick, inflation remained within the central bank’s target range of 1.5% to 3.5%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 1.17%, easing from a 1.65% rise in March, which had been the largest monthly gain since December 2014.

Indonesia Inflation Rate at 8-Month High of 1.95%

The New Zealand dollar rose to around $0.592 on Friday, recovering after a three-day decline, as sentiments improved amid increasing signs of easing trade tensions reducing the risk of the export-heavy currency. China signaled a willingness to initiate trade talks with the US, coming after President Trump’s comments suggesting potential trade agreements with India, Japan, and South Korea, he also stated that there was a high likelihood of a deal with China. However, domestically, the New Zealand dollar remained under pressure amid growing expectations of further policy easing by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Markets have fully priced in a 25 basis point rate cut at the central bank’s meeting later this month, with interest rates projected to bottom out at 2.75% by October. For the week, the currency is heading for modest loss.

Trending Symbols And Events

Most latest news, events and ideas for smart decisions

Latest News