Pound Leads Gains as Easing Tensions Weigh on Dollar | 1st April, 2026

Improving risk sentiment is lifting global markets as easing Middle East tensions weaken the US Dollar. GBP leads gains, with EUR and AUD also advancing, while USD/CAD declines on stronger oil and CAD support. Overall, markets reflect a shift toward risk-on, though caution remains amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Pound Leads FX Gains

Global markets are shifting toward a more constructive tone as easing Middle East tensions reduce demand for safe-haven assets, weighing on the US Dollar. The British Pound is leading gains among major currencies, benefiting from improving sentiment and a softer USD backdrop. Meanwhile, commodity-linked currencies like the Canadian and Australian Dollars are also advancing, supported by stabilizing oil prices and reduced geopolitical risk premiums. The Euro is following suit with steady gains, while overall market sentiment reflects a transition away from defensive positioning. Despite this improvement, traders remain cautious as developments around the region continue to evolve.

GBP/USD Forecast

Current Price and Context

GBP/USD edges higher as easing geopolitical tensions weaken the US Dollar, allowing the Pound to lead gains among major currencies. The pair reflects improving sentiment, though upside momentum remains measured.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: De-escalation reduces safe-haven demand for USD, supporting GBP.

US Economic Data: Softer USD tone helps lift the pair.

FOMC Outcome: Hawkish Fed stance may still cap further gains.

Trade Policy: Improved global stability supports risk currencies like GBP.

Monetary Policy: BoE outlook remains relatively stable, supporting Sterling.

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bullish recovery.

Resistance: 1.2850

Support: 1.2650

Forecast: GBP/USD may extend gains if USD weakness persists.

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Moderately bullish.

Catalysts: US data releases, UK macro data, geopolitical updates.

 

 

USD/CAD Forecast

Current Price and Context

USD/CAD declines as the Canadian Dollar strengthens on oil rebound and easing geopolitical tensions. The pair reflects both USD softness and improved sentiment toward commodity currencies.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Reduced tensions support risk appetite and weaken USD.

US Economic Data: Slight USD softness pressures the pair.

FOMC Outcome: Hawkish stance provides limited USD support.

Trade Policy: Stabilizing conditions benefit CAD.

Monetary Policy: Oil price recovery continues to support the Canadian Dollar.

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bearish USD/CAD bias.

Resistance: 1.3700

Support: 1.3500

Forecast: Further downside possible if oil remains supported.

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Bullish CAD bias.

Catalysts: Oil prices, US data, geopolitical developments.

 

 

WTI Crude Oil Forecast

Current Price and Context

WTI rebounds toward the $98.50 level as efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz support supply expectations. The move reflects partial recovery following recent declines.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: De-escalation reduces extreme volatility but keeps supply concerns in focus.

US Economic Data: Stable demand outlook supports prices.

FOMC Outcome: Higher rates may cap demand expectations.

Trade Policy: Improved stability supports steady energy demand.

Monetary Policy: Tight conditions may limit upside momentum.

Technical Outlook

Trend: Recovery within broader range.

Resistance: $100.50

Support: $95.00

Forecast: Oil may consolidate with slight upside bias.

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Neutral to slightly bullish.

Catalysts: Hormuz developments, inventory data, geopolitical updates.

 

 

EUR/USD Forecast

Current Price and Context

EUR/USD rises above the 1.1550 level as the US Dollar softens following easing geopolitical tensions. The pair benefits from improved sentiment and positioning ahead of further developments.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Reduced tensions weaken USD and support EUR.

US Economic Data: Slight softness weighs on the Dollar.

FOMC Outcome: Hawkish Fed outlook limits aggressive upside.

Trade Policy: Improved global conditions support the Euro.

Monetary Policy: ECB stance remains steady.

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bullish bias.

Resistance: 1.1620

Support: 1.1480

Forecast: EUR/USD may continue edging higher.

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Moderately bullish.

Catalysts: Eurozone data, US macro releases, geopolitical updates.

 

 

AUD/USD Forecast

Current Price and Context

AUD/USD extends gains as improved global sentiment and signs of US withdrawal from the Iran conflict weigh on the Dollar. The pair reflects renewed demand for risk-sensitive currencies.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: De-escalation boosts demand for risk currencies like AUD.

US Economic Data: USD softness supports upside.

FOMC Outcome: Hawkish Fed stance may limit gains.

Trade Policy: China-related outlook remains supportive.

Monetary Policy: RBA outlook provides additional support.

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bullish recovery.

Resistance: 0.7050

Support: 0.6900

Forecast: AUD/USD may extend gains if sentiment remains positive.

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Bullish.

Catalysts: Risk sentiment, China data, geopolitical developments.

 

 

Wrap-Up

Markets are shifting toward a more optimistic tone as easing Middle East tensions reduce demand for safe-haven assets and weigh on the US Dollar. The British Pound is leading gains, supported by improving sentiment and broad-based USD weakness, while other major currencies follow suit. Commodity-linked currencies are also benefiting from stabilizing oil prices, reinforcing the risk-on environment. However, while sentiment has improved, markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, and any reversal in tensions could quickly shift momentum back toward defensive positioning.

Ready to trade global markets with confidence? Join Moneta Markets today and unlock 1000+ instruments, ultra-fast execution, ECN spreads from 0.0 pips, and more! Start now with Moneta Markets!

Moneta Markets
Type: STP, ECN
Regulation: FCA (UK), FSA (Seychelles), FSCA (South Africa)
read more
US Yields Rise Despite Buybacks; Eyes on ECB Hike

US Yields Rise Despite Buybacks; Eyes on ECB Hike

Tensions escalated as the U.S. and Iran engaged in the largest maritime exchange in six months near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent crude above $100/bbl. U.S. equities remained under pressure, Treasury yields rose even after the Treasury tripled long‑term bond buybacks, and a softer dollar supported gold.
ATFX | 13h 37min ago
US Treasury Triples Long-Term Bond Buyback Size

US Treasury Triples Long-Term Bond Buyback Size

🚨 Iran attacks 10 vessels near Hormuz after US sinks 5 Iranian tankers — biggest shipping clash of the conflict. Brent tops $100 to $101.21, WTI at $96.05. Goldman warns $120 oil possible. 10Y yields hit 4.85%, highest since Nov 2023. Gold rises 1.5% to $4,418. ECB hikes 25bps today. PPI due.
CPT Markets | 15h 24min ago
Oil Surge Pressures US Stocks as Markets Await Inflation Data

Oil Surge Pressures US Stocks as Markets Await Inflation Data

🛢️ Iran targets US Navy vessels, US strikes Iranian tankers near Kharg Island — Brent approaches $100 at $99.05, WTI at $94.04. Oil +8% in September. Dow drops 628 points. Goldman raises December Brent forecast to $85. JPY strengthens on BoJ hike bets. ADP and Lagarde speech due today.
CPT Markets | 1 day ago
The euro is banking on the ECB

The euro is banking on the ECB

The euro is rising on expectations of an ECB tightening cycle, but Lagarde’s cautious stance and a possible decline in US Treasury yields could trigger a sell-off in EURUSD.
FxPro | 1 day ago
Yen Hits 6-Month High, Volatility Returns After North American Holiday.

Yen Hits 6-Month High, Volatility Returns After North American Holiday.

US markets were closed yesterday for a bank holiday, limiting overall market activity. The US dollar weakened as the Japanese yen surged, while crude oil extended gains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran warned it could target energy infrastructure across the region if the US launches further attacks on Iranian assets.
ATFX | 2 days ago
EUR/USD Holds Its Rising Channel as 1.1641 Breakout Awaits ECB and U.S. CPI

EUR/USD Holds Its Rising Channel as 1.1641 Breakout Awaits ECB and U.S. CPI

EUR/USD is trading around 1.1626 inside a rising 4-hour channel that has developed from the September swing low near 1.1584. Price remains above the rising 200-period WMA near 1.1597 and has recovered above the Bollinger basis, preserving the short-term sequence of higher reaction lows. The setup is constructive, but not yet impulsive.
Errante | 3 days ago