Monetary tightening and improving Middle East diplomacy remain the dominant macro themes on September 23. The dollar is extending its strength after Fed officials reinforced concerns that inflation remains too persistent. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin said price pressures are no longer limited to energy and tariffs, while Boston Fed President Susan Collins argued that a somewhat more restrictive policy stance may be necessary.

Tighter monetary policy remains the main driver across asset classes on September 22, while easing oil prices and rising political risk in Europe add another layer of uncertainty. The dollar is holding firm after hawkish Fed comments reinforced expectations for further rate hikes. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned that persistent supply shocks cannot simply be ignored, while St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said additional tightening may still be necessary.

Markets have adjusted to policy decisions from major central banks, led by a hawkish rate hike from the Federal Reserve and a policy move from the Bank of Japan.