Japan's Finance Minister Katayama said to intensify communication with Bessent

Australian March 2026 unemployment rate 4.3% (expected 4.3%, prior 4.3%)

Iran’s leadership has hardened after the war, with hardliners gaining control and reducing prospects for peace, while disruption to the Strait of Hormuz adds to global energy and geopolitical risks.

China will issue 15.5bn yuan ($2.3bn) in offshore bonds in Hong Kong on April 22, marking its largest CNH sale since October 2023 and supporting yuan liquidity amid global market volatility.

Goldman Sachs’ FICC revenue fell 10% as Iran war-driven volatility hit its rates desk, with losses on positions held during market swings, while rivals posted strong gains from heightened trading activity.

PBOC is expected to set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8190 – Reuters estimate PBOC CNY reference rate setting for the trading session ahead.

White House officials are urging major oil companies to boost output as Iran conflict-driven supply disruptions push crude above $100 and lift US gasoline prices, adding pressure ahead of midterm elections, Politico reports.

The Pentagon is in talks with US automakers and manufacturers to boost weapons production as conflicts in Ukraine and Iran deplete stockpiles, in a push to expand the defence industrial base, WSJ reports.