Iranian tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as the US lifts its naval blockadeTrump says Iran deal should be successful, reiterates Iran will never have nuclear weaponIran outlines that nuclear talks will include enrichment, stockpile, and its nuclear needsGerman economic sentiment picks up in June as US-Iran conflict simmers downOil prices extend losses and target pre-war levels amid expectations of Hormuz reopeningItaly inflation confirmed to have nudged up in MayGold avoids a complete breakdown on surprising US-Iran breakthrough as focus turns to FOMCBOJ deputy governor Uchida says that Ueda absence not a big impact on decision todayBOJ deputy governor Uchida says will continue to raise policy rate if conditions alignWhat are the main events for today?Japan finance minister says won’t comment on BOJ decision until after press conferenceRBA governor Bullock: I want to be clear that inflation remains too highIntervention risks abound as the Japanese yen can’t get off the floorFX option expiries for 16 June 10am New York cutRBA leaves cash rate unchanged at 4.35% in June monetary policy meeting, as expected
The most important news in the European session was reports of Iranian tankers successfully passing through the Strait of Hormuz following the US decision to lift its naval blockade, marking the clearest sign yet that the US-Iran memorandum of understanding is translating into practical implementation.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left its cash rate unchanged at 4.35%, in line with market expectations, pausing after three consecutive rate hikes earlier in 2026. Policymakers opted to hold rates steady to assess the delayed impact of previous tightening on consumer demand, housing, and inflation. The RBA made clear that monetary policy remains restrictive and data-dependent.
RBA Governor Bullock acknowledged slower growth and pressure on households but emphasized that underlying inflation remains above target and that higher fuel costs are increasingly feeding into broader prices. Her comments suggested the RBA remains prepared to hike again if inflation proves sticky. The market, on the other hand, is not pricing any more rate hikes following weak Australian data in the past weeks and the US-Iran breakthrough.
Deputy Governor Uchida held the BoJ press conference on behalf of Governor Ueda and reiterated that the central bank will continue raising the rates if economic and inflation conditions evolve as expected, maintaining the normalization narrative. He showed confidence that wage growth and inflation momentum remain sufficiently strong to justify gradual tightening, supporting expectations for further rate hikes later in the year. The Japanese yen weakened due to lack of strong hawkish signals.
This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.