AUD/CAD fell more than 0.5% to about 0.9485 in Asian trading on Monday, dropping below 0.9500 as the Canadian Dollar strengthened. The move followed rising oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. WTI crude rose over 25% to above $110.00 during Asian trade. The BBC reported that several Iranian oil depots were struck in a joint US and Israeli operation over the weekend.

Oil Prices Support The Canadian Dollar

Higher oil prices tend to support the Canadian Dollar because Canada is the largest exporter of oil to the US. Attention now turns to Canada’s February employment report due on Friday. Markets expect employment to rise by 9.5K after a 24.8K fall in January. The figures may affect expectations for the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy outlook. The Australian Dollar weakened as demand fell for risk-sensitive assets amid the escalating conflict. S&P 500 futures dropped over 2% at the open, indicating reduced risk appetite. Given the sharp move in AUD/CAD, we should consider short positions to ride this momentum. Put options on the pair could be an effective way to capitalize on further downside while limiting risk. The break below the key 0.9500 level suggests more weakness is likely in the near term.

Positioning And Risk Sentiment

The driving force is oil, and this conflict appears to be in its early stages. We remember how WTI crude futures spiked to over $120 a barrel in early 2022 after the conflict in Ukraine began, so the current price of $110 has room to run, especially with warnings of $150 oil. Long positions in oil futures or call options on energy-related ETFs seem prudent. This is a classic risk-off environment, confirmed by the significant drop in S&P 500 futures. We should anticipate continued fear in the market, which makes buying volatility a direct and potentially profitable strategy. VIX call options are likely to perform well if geopolitical tensions continue to escalate throughout the week. The Canadian dollar’s strength is fundamentally supported by Canada’s position as a top-five global oil producer. With Canada exporting over four million barrels per day, primarily to the US, a sustained period of higher oil prices directly benefits its terms of trade. This provides a strong tailwind for the loonie against other currencies. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is suffering as a risk-proxy currency, a role we saw it play during the market downturns of 2022 and 2025. As long as global equity markets remain under pressure, the Aussie will likely struggle to find buyers. The currency’s fate in the coming weeks is tied to the broader market’s appetite for risk. We must keep an eye on the Canadian employment data scheduled for this Friday. While the current geopolitical narrative is overwhelming, a surprisingly weak jobs report could temporarily halt the Canadian dollar’s advance. This event presents a key risk, and positions should be managed accordingly heading into the release. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The Australian Dollar fell 0.65% to about 0.6985 against the US Dollar in Asian trading on Monday. AUD/USD was down over 0.6% as oil prices rose amid conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. S&P 500 futures dropped more than 2% in early trade. The US Dollar Index (DXY) rose over 0.7% to around 99.60, its highest level in more than three months.

Risk Aversion Hits Australian Dollar

WTI crude jumped over 25% in Asian trade to above $110.00. The move followed strikes on several Iranian oil depots over the weekend, reported by the BBC, in an operation involving the US and Israel. Higher energy prices tend to pressure riskier currencies as funding flows shift towards safer assets. US President Donald Trump said on Truth.Social that higher oil prices were a “very small price to pay” in relation to Iran’s nuclear programme. Markets will watch the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February, due on Wednesday. The report may have limited effect on Federal Reserve policy expectations because it does not reflect the latest oil price rises linked to the Middle East conflict. We have seen this playbook before during past Middle East conflicts where the Australian dollar gets hit hard. Looking back at the events of 2025, a sudden escalation saw the AUD/USD tumble below 0.7000 as WTI crude surged over $110 a barrel. This kind of geopolitical shock creates a classic flight to safety, punishing risk-sensitive currencies like the Aussie.

Positioning And Hedging Ideas

Today, with AUD/USD trading around 0.6540 and WTI crude oil near a more stable $80 a barrel, we see significant room for a volatile move. Any renewed conflict in the region could easily trigger a repeat of the 2025 scenario, pushing oil prices dramatically higher. This would place immediate and severe downward pressure on the Australian dollar. The US Dollar Index (DXY) is currently holding firm above the 103 mark, partly because the latest US Consumer Price Index data from February showed inflation remains sticky at 3.2%. A geopolitical crisis would likely accelerate the rush into the US dollar for safety, pushing the DXY much higher. This would create a powerful dual headwind for the AUD/USD pair. Given this historical precedent, we should consider positioning for a potential drop in the AUD/USD over the coming weeks. Buying put options on the Australian dollar against the US dollar offers a defined-risk way to profit from a sudden downturn. This strategy acts as a direct bet on history repeating itself should tensions flare up once again. Similarly, we should look at the volatility in energy and equity markets. Call options on WTI or Brent crude futures would benefit directly from an oil price spike caused by supply fears. At the same time, buying put options on the S&P 500 could hedge against the broad market sell-off that typically accompanies such global uncertainty. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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USD/CHF rose above 0.7800 and traded near 0.7820 in Asian hours on Monday, after falling in the previous session. The move came as demand for the US Dollar increased on safe-haven flows and higher energy prices. The US Dollar Index (DXY) climbed towards three-month highs and traded around 99.50. Support also came as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil rose above $100.00 per barrel to over three-year highs, on worries that a longer Middle East conflict could disrupt global energy supply.

Geopolitical Risk And Oil Price Support

CBA economists reported that Iran may respond to gain leverage in future talks to end the war. They also said the US and Israel may seek to reduce Iran’s offensive capacity to gain leverage in future talks. The Telegraph reported that US President Donald Trump called the rise in oil prices a “very small price to pay” for defeating Iran and ensuring global peace. It also reported that Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran’s only option is unconditional surrender, after which he would help select its next leader. Gains in USD/CHF may be limited if the Swiss Franc strengthens on safe-haven demand. Traders are also watching for Swiss National Bank intervention, as SNB Vice-President Antoine Martin repeated that the bank is ready to act against excessive Franc strength, while Swiss inflation remains weak. Last year, we saw USD/CHF rally past 0.7800 driven by conflict fears in the Middle East and a spike in oil prices. That situation was a clear signal for long US Dollar positions against the Franc. Today, the environment is different, with West Texas Intermediate crude having stabilized around $82 per barrel after a production increase from non-OPEC members late last year.

Shifting SnB Policy And Trade Implications

A key shift is the Swiss National Bank’s focus, which is no longer on capping Franc appreciation but on fighting persistent inflation, which clocked in at 2.1% for February 2026. This contrasts with last year’s environment where the US Dollar Index was near 99.50; today it trades closer to 95.20. Consequently, the SNB is far less likely to intervene against Franc strength, removing a major headwind for the CHF. For the coming weeks, buying call options on USD/CHF seems misplaced given the changed fundamentals. Instead, traders could consider purchasing put options to speculate on a further decline towards the 0.7650 level seen earlier this year. This strategy benefits from a stronger Franc driven by the SNB’s hawkish stance and calmer energy markets. However, we must remember how quickly volatility surged after the events in Ukraine back in 2022, reminding us that geopolitical calm is fragile. Implied volatility on USD/CHF options is now at a multi-month low, making long-dated straddles relatively cheap. This could be a prudent way to position for a potential, unexpected spike in market tension without betting on a specific direction. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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S&P 500 futures fell close to 2.5% in the Asian session on Monday and opened with a bearish gap. The move was linked to fears that the Middle East conflict will keep oil prices high and weigh on global growth. The US-Israeli campaign against Iran reached its tenth day, with no clear end in sight. Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader more than a week after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes.

Oil Supply Risks

Tankers have avoided the Strait of Hormuz, raising concern about supply problems. Crude Oil prices have risen by over 25%, which has increased worries about energy-led inflation. Higher oil prices may add pressure for major central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, to keep policy tighter. Higher energy costs may also reduce economic activity and lower demand for riskier assets. Markets are also watching for this week’s US consumer inflation figures for clues on the Federal Reserve’s rate-cut path. Geopolitical developments remain a main driver of wider market risk mood. We remember how the market was shaken last year by the sudden escalation in the Middle East and the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. The S&P 500 reacted immediately with a sharp drop, as we saw oil prices surge in a way that reminded many of the 2022 energy crisis. This event set the stage for a year of heightened inflation and cautious central bank policy.

Market Conditions Now

The effects are still with us today, in March 2026. WTI crude oil has settled into a high range, currently trading around $95 a barrel, and the latest US consumer inflation report for February showed a stubbornly high 4.1% year-over-year increase. Because of this persistent inflation, the Federal Reserve has paused its rate-cutting cycle, keeping borrowing costs elevated for longer than anyone anticipated last year. This persistent uncertainty is clearly reflected in the derivatives market. The CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, has been trading in an elevated range, currently sitting at 24, well above the long-term average. This signals that traders are actively pricing in the risk of large, sudden market swings in the near future. For traders, this means the cost of portfolio insurance remains high. Buying protective put options on major indices like the SPX is an expensive strategy, as the high implied volatility inflates option premiums across the board. The market is paying a premium for downside protection, reflecting the deep-seated fear of another geopolitical shock. The tension has also fueled a flight to safety, strengthening the US dollar. The Dollar Index (DXY) is trading near multi-year highs, putting pressure on commodity prices and the earnings of multinational corporations. Meanwhile, government bond yields remain high as investors demand more compensation for inflation risk. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the upcoming OPEC+ meeting at the end of the month. Any statements regarding production quotas or the stability of supply through the Strait of Hormuz will be a major catalyst for the market. We should also watch the next round of inflation data for any signs that price pressures are finally easing. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The US Dollar Index (DXY) traded near 99.65 in Asian hours on Monday, rising above 99.50. It reached its highest level since late November 2025 as tensions grew in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump said he does not want to negotiate an end to the war with Iran and demanded that Tehran capitulate, while US and Israeli airstrikes continued. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon on Saturday to disarm Hezbollah or “pay a very heavy price”.

Middle East Tensions Lift Safe Haven Demand

The US Dollar strengthened against other currencies as demand rose for safer assets amid the conflict. The move was also linked to higher oil prices. US labour data presented a counterweight to the Dollar’s rise. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Nonfarm Payrolls fell by 92,000 in February. This followed a January increase of 126,000, revised from 130,000. The February result also missed the forecast for a 59,000 rise. We are seeing the US Dollar Index push above 99.50, a level not seen in over three months, driven by escalating conflicts in the Middle East. This safe-haven rush is the dominant force in the market right now. However, the market is also trying to digest a shockingly weak US jobs report from last Friday.

Trading Strategy Under Higher Volatility

The sharp conflict between a risk-off geopolitical event and poor domestic economic data creates significant uncertainty, which is a recipe for higher volatility. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) has already jumped to over 24, climbing from the mid-teens just a few weeks ago. This environment suggests that buying options to play on large price swings, rather than just direction, could be a primary strategy in the coming weeks. The geopolitical tensions have also sent crude oil prices surging, with WTI crude recently breaking past $95 a barrel for the first time since late 2024. This supports the dollar against currencies of energy-importing nations like the Euro and the Japanese Yen. Derivative traders might look at call options on the USD against these currencies to ride the current safe-haven trend. At the same time, we cannot ignore that the US economy lost 92,000 jobs, which is a major reversal from expectations of a 59,000 gain. While we saw volatile jobs data throughout 2025, a miss of this magnitude is a serious red flag for the health of the US economy. This weakness suggests the dollar’s current strength is built on a shaky foundation. This weak employment figure immediately impacts expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Fed funds futures are already shifting to price in a higher probability of an interest rate cut at the next FOMC meeting. A rate cut would be bearish for the dollar, creating a direct conflict with the current rally. Given these opposing forces, traders should consider strategies that hedge against a sudden reversal. For instance, while holding a long dollar position via futures, one could buy out-of-the-money put options on a currency pair like USD/JPY. This provides protection if the negative economic data begins to outweigh the safe-haven demand, causing the dollar’s rally to quickly unwind. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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WTI crude rose for a fifth straight session, opening with a gap up and trading near $110.60 a barrel in Asian hours on Monday. It reached $110.73, its highest level since June 2022, amid concerns that a prolonged Middle East conflict could disrupt energy supplies. Middle Eastern producers reduced output as the Strait of Hormuz remained closed due to the Iran war. Kuwait announced precautionary cuts, and Iraq’s southern output fell to 1.3 million barrels per day from 4.3 million.

Supply Shock In The Gulf

Qatar’s energy minister Saad Sherida Al‑Kaabi told the Financial Times that Gulf producers may halt exports within weeks. The report said oil could rise to $150 per barrel. The Telegraph reported that US President Donald Trump described higher oil prices as a “very small price to pay” in the context of defeating Iran. Trump also posted that Iran’s option was unconditional surrender and that he would help choose Iran’s next leader afterwards. The Iran war entered its second week with no stated end point. Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed supreme leader just over a week after Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes. A correction on March 9 at 2:30 GMT revised the headline to “over three-year highs”, not “54-month highs”.

Derivatives Positioning And Risk

With WTI crude breaking $110, the immediate focus should be on bullish strategies using derivatives. We are seeing a massive surge in call option buying, particularly for contracts with strike prices of $120 and $130 expiring in the next two months. The CBOE Crude Oil Volatility Index (OVX), a key measure of oil price volatility, has already surged past 60, reflecting extreme market uncertainty and making options premiums very expensive. We should remember the price action following the conflict in Ukraine back in early 2022, when crude briefly touched similar levels before peaking near $130. Given the direct closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly 20% of global supply, the $150 per barrel target mentioned seems increasingly plausible. This historical precedent from last decade suggests the current rally has significant room to run as long as the conflict continues to escalate. In the futures market, we are observing an extreme state of backwardation, signaling a severe immediate supply shortage. The premium for the front-month April contract over the May contract has blown out to over $5, a level not seen since the supply shocks we experienced in 2025. This structure strongly incentivizes holding long positions and signals that the physical market is exceptionally tight right now. Despite the bullish momentum, the risk of a sharp reversal on any news of de-escalation means hedging is critical. We are seeing some traders buy far out-of-the-money put options as a low-cost way to protect against a sudden peace agreement or a coordinated release from strategic petroleum reserves. The high implied volatility makes these hedges expensive, but they could be essential if the political situation changes unexpectedly. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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USD/CAD rose from the mid-1.3500s after reaching a nearly one-month low in Asia on Monday. The move lacked follow-through and the pair struggled to hold gains above 1.3600. Rising tensions in the Middle East supported a global move towards safer assets and lifted the US dollar to its highest level since November 2025. This offset the weak US Nonfarm Payrolls report released on Friday.

Oil Shock And Safe Haven Demand

Crude Oil jumped more than 25% intraday, moved above $110, and hit a nine-month high on Monday. The rise was linked to supply risk concerns around the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices supported the Canadian dollar and limited USD/CAD upside. The earlier break below a multi-week trading range support suggests the pair may need stronger buying to confirm a near-term base and any sustained rebound. We are seeing a classic tug-of-war in USD/CAD, with the pair struggling around the 1.3600 level. The safe-haven appeal of the US dollar is strong, with the DXY index pushing 106.50, a level not seen since November 2025. This is happening while WTI crude oil prices remain elevated near $108 a barrel after the massive recent spike, directly supporting the Canadian dollar. The demand for US dollars is fueled by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which is overshadowing poor domestic data. For instance, last Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls report on March 6th showed a disappointing addition of only 95,000 jobs, yet the market is more focused on geopolitical risk. Consequently, we’ve seen the probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut by June plummet from over 70% last month to below 30% today, as inflation fears from high energy prices take hold.

Positioning And Volatility Strategies

On the other side of the trade, the surge in oil is a massive boost for the loonie. This is not just a speculative spike; it is fundamentally altering Canada’s terms of trade and providing a strong headwind against any significant USD/CAD advance. Adding to this, the latest inflation data from Statistics Canada came in hotter than expected at 3.1%, making it difficult for the Bank of Canada to consider rate cuts, which further supports the CAD. For derivative traders, this environment of high uncertainty and opposing powerful forces screams for volatility plays. Buying options, such as straddles or strangles, on USD/CAD could be a prudent way to position for a large move in either direction over the coming weeks, as a resolution to either the oil shock or the geopolitical tension will likely cause a sharp breakout. Implied volatility is high, but the potential for a multi-cent move makes it a calculated risk. Given that the pair broke below its multi-week trading range last week, we must be cautious about taking on new bullish positions. A more tactical approach might involve using options to define risk, such as buying puts to speculate on a move lower towards the 1.3400s. Alternatively, for those who believe the USD will prevail, selling put spreads could be a way to collect premium while betting that the mid-1.3500s will hold as a floor. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Gold (XAU/USD) fell to about $5,075 in early Asian trade on Monday, down 1.52% and below $5,100. The move came as the US Dollar strengthened and markets assessed inflation risks linked to higher oil prices. Rising crude oil prices increased inflation fears, which led traders to reduce expectations for further Federal Reserve easing. Higher interest rates tend to weigh on gold because it does not pay interest.

Fed Policy Outlook Shifts

The Fed is expected to keep rates unchanged at its 17–18 March meeting. Many economists forecast the next rate cut may not come until June or July 2026. Traders are also watching the US-Iran situation and wider Middle East risks. US CPI inflation data due on Wednesday is expected to be a key focus. A weaker US labour report may limit gold’s losses by weighing on the dollar. February Nonfarm Payrolls showed a drop of 92,000, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3% in January. Given the sharp drop in gold to the $5,075 level, we see a clear reaction to renewed inflation fears driven by surging oil prices. WTI crude has breached $145 a barrel, its highest level since the 2022 energy crisis, fundamentally altering the market’s outlook on inflation. This suggests that the environment of falling inflation that we saw through most of 2025 is now being seriously questioned.

Trading Strategy Considerations

We must adjust our expectations for Federal Reserve policy, as the focus shifts from a weak labor market back to price stability. Just a month ago, markets were pricing in a 70% probability of a rate cut by June, but CME FedWatch data now shows this has plummeted to below 30%. The upcoming Fed meeting on March 18 is therefore critical, where we now expect a decidedly more cautious, if not hawkish, tone. The US Consumer Price Index report this Wednesday is the next major catalyst. Consensus forecasts are already creeping higher toward 3.7% year-over-year, and a number hotter than that could trigger another leg down in gold toward the $5,000 psychological support level. Buying puts or establishing bear put spreads on XAU/USD are strategies to consider for traders anticipating a continued slide. However, we cannot entirely discount the weak February jobs report, which showed a 92,000 payroll decline and a rising unemployment rate of 4.4%. This creates a conflicting, stagflationary backdrop for policymakers and could provide some support for gold if recession fears begin to outweigh inflation concerns. Any de-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East would also cause a sharp reversal in oil and a potential spike in gold prices. This clash between rising inflation and a weakening economy increases overall market volatility, which is a key takeaway for us. The VIX index has already climbed over 5% in the last week, reflecting growing uncertainty. Therefore, option strategies that profit from large price movements in either direction, such as long straddles on gold futures, could be effective in the coming weeks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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NZD/USD edged down to about 0.5865 in early Asian trading on Monday. The US Dollar strengthened against the New Zealand Dollar as the US-Israeli war with Iran continued, supporting demand for safer assets. China’s Consumer Price Index rose 1.3% year on year in February, up from 0.2% in January and above the 0.8% forecast. China’s Producer Price Index fell 0.9% year on year in February, improving from a 1.4% decline in January and beating the -1.1% expectation.

China Inflation Update

On a monthly basis, China’s CPI increased 1.0% in February, compared with 0.2% previously. Despite these figures, the Australian Dollar did not gain, as markets stayed cautious due to Middle East tensions. Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader a little over a week after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes. US President Donald Trump said a leader chosen without US approval would “not last long”, adding to concerns about a longer conflict. We recall that around this time last year, in early 2025, the NZD/USD was softening on fears of a prolonged Middle East war. This drove safe-haven demand for the US Dollar, even as China posted some surprisingly strong inflation data. That dynamic of geopolitics trumping economics set a clear tone for the market. Those fears have proven to be well-founded, as tensions have kept the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) elevated, averaging above 20 for most of the past year. This persistent risk-off sentiment has provided a steady tailwind for the US Dollar. The situation in Iran following the leadership change has not stabilized, continuing to fuel uncertainty in global energy markets and supporting the dollar’s safe-haven status.

Trading Implications For Nzdusd

Meanwhile, the optimism from China’s February 2025 CPI print of 1.3% has since faded. We have seen recent data from early 2026 showing Chinese inflation has cooled back to 0.7%, with producer prices remaining in deflationary territory. This slowdown weighs heavily on proxy currencies, and New Zealand’s export receipts have reflected this weakness. Given the strong dollar and the weak Kiwi, the NZD/USD pair has trended lower, now sitting near 0.5750. Derivative traders should therefore consider strategies that profit from continued or accelerated downside in the pair. Buying NZD/USD put options could be an effective way to position for a further drop while limiting upfront risk. Historically, we’ve seen this pattern before, such as during the 2020 market panic when the Kiwi fell sharply against the greenback. Looking ahead, traders should be positioned for further NZD weakness, especially if upcoming statements from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand reflect concerns over the slowdown in China. Any dovish tilt from the RBNZ would likely act as the next major catalyst for a move lower. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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USD/JPY rose for a third session, trading near 158.60 in Asian hours on Monday as the US Dollar gained on safe-haven demand. The Iran war entered its second week with no clear outcome. Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Iran’s supreme leader just over a week after Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes. Donald Trump said the appointment would be “unacceptable” and suggested the US should have a role in choosing Iran’s next supreme leader.

Safe Haven Demand Lifts The Dollar

The US Dollar also drew support as WTI crude oil moved above $100.00 per barrel on fears the conflict could disrupt global energy supplies. Trump called higher oil prices a “very small price to pay” for defeating Iran and ensuring global peace. Traders also adjusted inflation expectations after the outbreak of hostilities last week, supporting views that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. This added to the US Dollar’s strength against the Yen. Japan’s Labour Cash Earnings rose 3% year-on-year in January 2026 after a 2.5% rise in December 2025. Japan’s Current Account surplus was ¥941.6B in January versus ¥960.0B expected, and up from ¥728.8B previously. With the conflict in Iran entering its second week, we see the US Dollar strengthening as a primary safe-haven asset. The surge in WTI crude oil above $100 per barrel, a level not consistently seen since the energy crisis of 2022, is fueling this demand for dollars. This geopolitical tension is currently the single most important factor driving currency markets.

Rate Expectations And Intervention Risk

The inflationary shock from higher energy costs is forcing a rapid recalculation of the Federal Reserve’s plans. We have seen fed funds futures shift dramatically in the past week, with the market now pricing in less than a 20% chance of a rate cut before the third quarter of 2026. This reinforces the interest rate advantage the US Dollar holds over other major currencies. For the USD/JPY pair, this has created a powerful upward trend, pushing it towards the 160 level. While the Yen is traditionally a safe haven, the widening gap between US and Japanese interest rate expectations is the dominant force. We must remain highly alert for intervention, as Japanese authorities previously stepped in to defend the Yen back in 2022 and 2024 when the pair crossed the 150-152 range. Given the high probability of sudden, sharp moves, buying outright spot positions is risky. We should consider using options to manage this uncertainty, such as purchasing USD/JPY call options to gain upside exposure while strictly capping potential losses if intervention does occur. Market volatility has also spiked, with the VIX, a key measure of fear, jumping over 30% last week, making strategies that profit from price swings attractive. Finally, we cannot ignore domestic Japanese data, which shows a significant 3% rise in labor cash earnings for January. This is the strongest wage growth we have seen in several years and could pressure the Bank of Japan to adopt a more hawkish stance later this year. For now, the global crisis is in control, but this underlying domestic strength could cause a rapid reversal in USD/JPY if geopolitical tensions ease. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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