With the war in Iran in its third week and oil prices roughly 30% higher than a month ago, US Federal Reserve rate setters are gathering to decide on monetary policy.  

It is widely expected that, amid heightened uncertainty, the FOMC will vote to hold interest rates within the 3.50–3.75% target range.  

For many analysts, the concern around energy prices is less about how high and more about how long.  (LS – Continue Reading) 

Bank of Canada policymakers are widely expected to keep policy on hold when they announce their decision on Wednesday.

As with several central banks meeting this week, heightened uncertainty stemming from developments in the Middle East has left rate setters inclined to await further clarity before signalling next steps. 

Analysts expect the Governing Council to leave its overnight rate unchanged at 2.25%. (LS – Continue Reading) 

Japan’s exports climbed 4.2%% from a year ago in February, marking a sharp slowdown after hitting an over-three-year high in January.

However, the increase was higher than the 1.6% rise expected by economists polled by Reuters, and against the 16.8% jump in the previous month. 

Exports to China, Japan’s largest trading partner, fell 10.9%, while shipments to the U.S dropped 8%. (CNBC – Continue Reading)