Most Asian equities trade in negative territory on Thursday as traders remain cautious about whether a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and ‌Iran would hold.

Japan Consumer Confidence Index came in at 33.3 below forecasts (38) in March

Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda said that real interest rates are clearly negative and keeping the country's financial conditions accommodative, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Netherlands, The Consumer Price Index n.s.a (YoY) meets forecasts (2.7%) in March

Netherlands, The Consumer Spending Volume declined to -0.5% in February from previous 0%

Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor Anna Breman said that domestic economy could see stronger growth this year if there was a swift resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, Reuters reported on Thursday. She added that the previous rate cuts were still providing some stimulus.

Hezbollah said that it fired rockets toward northern Israel in response to “ceasefire violations” committed by the Israeli army, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Japan Foreign Investment in Japan Stocks: ¥2B (April 3) vs ¥-4B

Sporadic fighting continued in the Middle East, including in Lebanon, killing hundreds of people and drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran, Reuters reported on Thursday.

United Kingdom RICS Housing Price Balance below forecasts (-18%) in March: Actual (-23%)

MUFG’s Senior Currency Analyst Lloyd Chan argues Singapore’s energy system and fiscal strength materially limit near‑term tail risks from Middle East tensions.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) holds firm near 99.10, supported by safe-haven demand late in the American session with expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will remain cautious on easing.

BNP Paribas analysts assess that in the United States (USD), demand remains the main driver of inflation, though its contribution has eased from post‑Covid peaks.

Wells Fargo economists now expect the Federal Reserve (Fed) to delay easing in response to higher Oil prices and stickier inflation.

United States 10-Year Note Auction climbed from previous 4.217% to 4.282%

ING economists Peter Virovacz and Zoltán Homolya note that Hungarian inflation in March 2026 surprised on the downside versus expectations but remained above February’s decade low.

Commerzbank’s Thu Lan Nguyen notes that Brent prices dropped by USD 15 on news of a two‑week U.S.–Iran ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but still trade near USD 95, well above pre‑war levels.

BNP Paribas analysts argue that weaker demand in the Eurozone compared to 2022 is helping to contain inflation, even as supply constraints remain above historical averages.

BNY's Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage highlights that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left its policy rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance, citing uncertainty from the West Asia conflict.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) analysts review how Canada has weathered one year of U.S. tariff shocks. They note that Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and unemployment held up, but sectoral and regional damage was significant.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) will publish its Minutes from the March 18 meeting on Wednesday. The release should be less about the decision itself and more about the officials’ “no rush to cut” narrative.

Commerzbank’s Thu Lan Nguyen notes Copper has turned into a top performer after being one of the weakest metals, pressured by rising LME stocks and mixed supply news.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Wednesday that Iran will manage the Strait of Hormuz proactively and control it intelligently, while warning of a stronger response to any renewed attacks from the United States (US) or Israel, per Reuters.

BNY's Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage at notes that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) kept the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 2.25% as the Middle East conflict altered the outlook, lifting near‑term inflation risks while weighing on growth.

Rabobank economists Mauricio Une and Renan Alves note that the Dollar (USD) closed last week at 5.1573, with the Brazilian Real (BRL) appreciating 1.6% over the week, ranking among the top emerging-market performers.

Mexico Consumer Confidence dipped from previous 44.5 to 44.1 in March

Mexico Consumer Confidence s.a: 44.1 (March) vs previous 44.4

MUFG’s Head of Research Derek Halpenny underlines that United Kingdom (UK) PMI Services and Composite data show a larger downturn than in Europe, with a record jump in input prices driven by energy concerns.

BNY's Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage notes Eurozone producer prices fell on energy weakness while ex‑energy pressures stayed positive, and retail sales showed modest annual growth despite monthly softness.

United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday that the US will work closely with Iran through a "very productive regime change."