News of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran saw Aussie and kiwi edge higher in early Tokyo trade, building on positive sentiment in US stocks. Oil plunged after the Iranians fired missiles at an American airbase in Qatar, all of which were intercepted. The move was seen more as symbolic than escalation, hence haven flows into the dollar reversed. US yields fell after another Fed speaker joined the narrative of a possible July interest rate cut. Aussie and kiwi dollars both dipped but found traction ahead of their 100-day moving averages to finish higher on the day. The economic data cupboard is bare on both sides of the Tasman today so markets will probably again take cues from stock indexes and headlines. ASX futures point to a strong opening in equities.
A television station broadcasts Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg