EUR/USD weekend outlook | Confusion as Strait of Hormuz closes again

The EUR/USD reversed earlier gains to close lower on Friday after the earlier optimism about the Strait of Hormuz re-opening failed to keep the dollar and crude oil under sustained pressure. While crude oil fell about 9% on the day, it closed well off its earlier lows.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: forex.com

Global Markets End Weekend Lower Amid Oil Price Surge

Major equity indices including the DAX, Dow, Nasdaq, FTSE, and Hang Seng closed lower over the weekend, while oil prices surged by 3.6%. The EUR/USD currency pair showed minimal movement, indicating limited forex market volatility during this period.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: FOR-EX.NEWS

Global Markets Close Lower with US Oil Surging; EUR/USD Slightly Up

Major stock indices including the DAX, Dow, Nasdaq, FTSE, and Hang Seng all declined over the weekend, while US oil prices saw a significant increase of 3.65%. The EUR/USD currency pair experienced a marginal gain of 0.06%, indicating slight forex market movement amid broader market declines.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: FOR-EX.NEWS

DeMarco Says ECB in No Rush, Will Provide More Information in June

ECB official DeMarco stated that the European Central Bank is not rushing any decisions and expects to have more clarity by June. This suggests a cautious approach to monetary policy adjustments in the near term.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: FOR-EX.NEWS

ECB's Demarco Warns Against Rushing Interest Rate Decisions

ECB Executive Board member Demarco stated that hastening rate actions poses a greater risk than delaying them. He emphasized the importance of careful consideration before adjusting monetary policy amid economic uncertainties.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: FOR-EX.NEWS

US Fed Advises Big Banks Against Aggressive Pushback on New Capital Rules

The US Federal Reserve has instructed major banks not to strongly oppose the recently introduced capital regulations. This move aims to ensure financial stability and compliance within the banking sector.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: FOR-EX.NEWS

US Dollar Slides, Euro and Pound Jump as Oil Crashes After Strait Reopens

The US dollar weakened sharply while the euro and Pound Sterling surged as oil prices crashed over 13% following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a powerful return of global risk appetite. Markets experienced huge moves on Friday, with oil crashing over 13%.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: exchangerates.org.uk

Goldman Pound to Dollar Forecast: Sell GBP/USD, 3-Month Target is 1.33

The Pound to Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate found support below 1.32 in early April and has rallied strongly to above 1.35, recouping Iran-related losses as the dollar has lost ground. Risk appetite has also recovered which has helped underpin the Pound.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: exchangerates.org.uk

Danske Bank Euro to Dollar Forecast: EUR/USD to Rise to 1.22 in Next 12 Months

The Euro to Dollar (EUR/USD) exchange rate has rallied to highs around 1.18 as hopes for a resolution in the US-Iran conflict have undermined near-term dollar demand. Danske Bank notes a high degree of uncertainty in the short term, but it has shifted its bias and is no longer backing significant short-term EUR/USD losses.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: exchangerates.org.uk

Spirit Airlines Seeks Government Support as Oil Prices Surge

Spirit Airlines is requesting government funding to help mitigate the financial impact of rising oil prices, according to Air Current. The increased fuel costs are putting pressure on the airline's operations and profitability.

Date: 18.04.2026 | Source: FOR-EX.NEWS

Quotes

Instrument Price Change (%)
EURUSD 1.179400 +0.096525%
GBPUSD 1.352220 -0.024102%
USDJPY 158.348740 -0.48283%
XAUUSD 4833.989370 +0.90446%
USDCAD 1.368910 -0.10318%
NZDUSD 0.588510 -0.089596%
USDCHF 0.781100 -0.21717%
AUDUSD 0.716830 +0.094296%
EURGBP 0.872190 +0.20344%
EURJPY 186.756080 -0.35637%
GBPJPY 214.122960 -0.50094%
AUDJPY 113.588140 -0.28081%
CADJPY 115.675390 -0.37345%
CHFJPY 203.210730 -0.060963%
NZDJPY 93.054510 -0.72703%
GBPCHF 1.056450 -0.30426%
EURCHF 0.919600 -0.31977%
USDMXN 17.311500 +0.3158%
USDZAR 16.296500 -0.67773%
USDTRY 44.855130 +0.052719%
USDRUB 75.675000 -0.8711%
USDSEK 9.150600 -0.3563%
USDCNY 6.817490 -0.041187%

Upcoming Important Events

Time Country Event Forecast Previous
19.04.2026
23:50 🇯🇵 Balance of Trade (Mar) 470 57.3
20.04.2026
12:30 🇨🇦 Inflation Rate YoY (Mar) 2.5 1.8
13:45 🇨🇦 BoC Interest Rate Decision 2.25
23:50 🇯🇵 Balance of Trade (Mar) 470 57.3
21.04.2026
06:00 🇬🇧 Unemployment Rate (Feb) 5.2 5.2
09:00 🇩🇪 ZEW Economic Sentiment Index (Apr) -10 -0.5
23:50 🇯🇵 Balance of Trade (Mar) 1100 57.3
22.04.2026
06:00 🇬🇧 Inflation Rate YoY (Mar) 3.3 3
23.04.2026
07:30 🇩🇪 S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Apr) 51.2 52.2
08:30 🇬🇧 S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Apr) 49.5 51