AUD/USD trades around 0.7140 on Thursday, down 0.27% on the day, moving within a tight range as market sentiment remains pressured by geopolitical tensions.

Russia Central Bank Reserves $ climbed from previous $774.8B to $779.5B

United States (US) President Donald Trump just announced through Truth Social that he has ordered to "shoot and kill" any boat that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

TD Securities strategists argue that Kevin Warsh’s path to the Fed chair and related independence concerns mostly point to a weaker Dollar in 2026.

Gold (XAU/USD) trims earlier intraday losses on Thursday, but upside remains limited as a firmer US Dollar (USD) and elevated Oil prices weigh on the precious metal, while uncertainty over stalled US-Iran talks keeps market sentiment cautious.

ING strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey describe a cautious backdrop for base metals, with Copper and Aluminium edging higher after reduced near-term geopolitical risk but ongoing Strait of Hormuz closure.

Canada Employment Insurance Beneficiaries Change (MoM) rose from previous -1.9% to -1.6% in February

The US Department of Labor (DOL) reported on Thursday that the number of US citizens filing new applications for unemployment insurance rose to 214K for the week ending April 18, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up from 207K to 208K.

United States Continuing Jobless Claims came in at 1.821M, above forecasts (1.82M) in April 10

Canada Raw Material Price Index came in at 12%, above forecasts (9.3%) in March

Canada Industrial Product Price (MoM) above expectations (1.6%) in March: Actual (2.4%)

United States Initial Jobless Claims 4-week average increased to 210.75K in April 17 from previous 209.75K

United States Initial Jobless Claims above forecasts (212K) in April 17: Actual (214K)

United States Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined to -0.2 in March from previous -0.11

BNY’s Bob Savage reports that the International Energy Agency warns of the biggest energy security threat in history as the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure remove significant Oil supply. Savage details tanker interceptions, rising crack spreads and stronger Brent options activity.

The Euro (EUR) extends losses against the US Dollar (USD) for the third consecutive day on Thursday, reaching its lowest levels since April 13, at the 1.1680 area.

Mexico 1st half-month Core Inflation below expectations (0.2%) in April: Actual (0.18%)

Mexico 1st half-month Inflation registered at 0.11% above expectations (0.08%) in April

Mexico Retail Sales (MoM) below expectations (-0.1%) in February: Actual (-0.9%)

Mexico Retail Sales (YoY) registered at 3.1%, below expectations (4.1%) in February

Societe Generale analysts argue that the Australian Dollar’s (AUD) strong year-to-date performance leaves it vulnerable to concerns over imported petroleum dependence during the Gulf blockade.

USD/CAD trades around 1.3670 on Thursday, virtually unchanged on the day, as investors adopt a cautious stance ahead of the release of S&P Global PMI data in the United States (US).

The preliminary United States (US) S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for April is due for release today at 13:45 GMT.

Brown Brothers Harriman’s (BBH) Elias Haddad notes that higher crude Oil prices and rising global bond yields are supporting the US Dollar (USD), with USD firmer against major currencies.

Japan’s Finance Minister (FM) Satsuki Katayama said during the European trading session on Thursday that the government has “free hand” in conducting stealth interventions against one-way speculative moves against the Japanese Yen (JPY).

TD Securities analysts expect United Kingdom (UK) Retail Sales to rise 0.1% month-on-month in March, slightly above market consensus, viewing February’s weakness as payback for January’s strength rather than softer demand.

The USD/JPY pair extends its four-day upside to near 159.75 during the European trading session on Thursday. The pair reflects strength as the US Dollar (USD) outperforms its peers due to rising oil prices amid the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Silver (XAG/USD) resumes its immediate bearish trend on Thursday, following a frail recovery attempt the previous day.

Silver prices (XAG/USD) fell on Thursday, according to FXStreet data. Silver trades at $74.54 per troy ounce, down 4.06% from the $77.70 it cost on Wednesday.

Gold (XAU/USD) remains under pressure on Thursday but holds near $4,700 at the time of writing, showing some resilience despite an unfavorable backdrop.