The EUR/USD pair climbed towards a two-week high as hopes for progress in US-Iran negotiations weighed on the dollar and reduced safe-haven demand. The euro was also supported by growing expectations that the ECB might hike rates at its June meeting.
The British pound traded lower despite hitting a 10-day high earlier in the week. Investors currently expect no change in rates in this month’s upcoming Bank of England meeting.
The USD/JPY pair hit a one-month high, although gains were limited by growing expectations that the Bank of Japan might hike rates in the coming months and speculation that Japanese authorities could intervene again to support the yen.
Gold prices fell to a two-month low, although the precious metal bounced back late in the week as markets attempted to assess the chances of a potential peace agreement between the US and Iran.
US S&P 500 stocks again posted record highs last week as AI linked stocks boosted prices after Dell and Snowflake posted positive earnings, while the prospect of a potential US-Iran deal added to positive sentiment.
Oil prices dropped to a one-month low after progress was reported towards a US-Iran agreement, which could see the end of oil supply disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.