The Middle East remains volatile; though a potential US-Iran peace framework aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the deal faces internal resistance in Tehran, and the UAE denied releasing frozen Iranian assets. Crude oil fell near $80 as shadow supply channels temporarily buffer disruptions. In Europe, the ECB hiked rates by 25 basis points to fight energy-driven inflation, raising its inflation outlook while lowering growth forecasts. In tech, China's AI hardware exports are surging, while Anthropic restricted model access due to US export controls, and OpenAI faces a multi-state privacy probe.

Weakened toward 99.50 on reduced safe-haven demand. Breaking below 99.50 targets 99.00, while resistance holds at 100.00 to 100.30. EURUSD: Advanced past 1.1600 as oil fell. Holding the 1.1575 to 1.1600 support zone opens a path toward 1.1650 and 1.1700. XAUUSD: Gold pushed past $4,360, staying constructive above $4,300 with an upside target of $4,450. Brent Crude: Plunged over 5% to near $80 on eased supply fears. Breaking $80 targets $78, while resistance stands at $83.50 to $85.00.

The Bank of Canada held its rate at 2.25%, citing a soft domestic economy. Markets now focus on upcoming policy meetings from the Bank of England, Japan, and the Federal Reserve. The Fed meeting will be the first under new Chair Kevin Warsh, where rates are expected to hold steady while investors watch for any future rate hike signals.