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Today's Currencies Pulse

RBI logs record $53.13B net dollar sale as rupee slides 9.5%

The Reserve Bank of India recorded its largest net dollar sale in at least 15 years, disposing of $53.13 billion in FY 26, more than double the $25.52 billion sold in FY 23. The rupee weakened about 9.5% against the dollar, prompting heavy RBI intervention in both spot and forward markets, where forward‑market net sales hit a historic negative $103.06 billion in March 2026.

USD Floor and Oil Stabilization Signal Fed Trouble
SocialApr 21, 2026

USD Floor and Oil Stabilization Signal Fed Trouble

The greenback found a short-term floor at $97.90 just as oil stopped going down. That's not a coincidence. Both are telling you the Fed is screwed. EM and credit feel it first because they fund in dollars and import the oil.

By Kurt S. Altrichter
ECB Likely to Hold Rates Next Week, Keeps June Hike Option Alive
NewsApr 21, 2026

ECB Likely to Hold Rates Next Week, Keeps June Hike Option Alive

ING THINK analysts forecast that the European Central Bank will leave policy rates unchanged at its April meeting, while preserving the option to raise rates in June. The stance reflects lingering inflation risks and is set to shape euro‑zone sovereign...

By Pulse
Thunes Launches Real‑time NZD Payments, Expanding Direct Global Network in New Zealand
NewsApr 21, 2026

Thunes Launches Real‑time NZD Payments, Expanding Direct Global Network in New Zealand

Thunes has rolled out real‑time NZD payments to New Zealand, allowing members of its Direct Global Network to move money instantly to local bank accounts. The move deepens the Singapore‑based fintech’s Asia‑Pacific footprint as the region’s digital‑trade volume is projected to...

By Pulse
Lower Rates Needed to Manage Unmanageable Federal Debt
SocialApr 21, 2026

Lower Rates Needed to Manage Unmanageable Federal Debt

Hearing Kevin Warsh talk about Fed independence, and watching hard assets sell off on that, feels a lot like the hype around DOGE. Great in theory, but ultimately unrealistic. The reality is that government debt has reached a scale that no brilliant...

By Tavi Costa
GCC Nations Turn Net Drains on Offshore Dollar Liquidity
SocialApr 21, 2026

GCC Nations Turn Net Drains on Offshore Dollar Liquidity

The UAE's request for a swap line -- presumably after a big fall in the central bank's $285b in reserves in March/ early April -- confirms that the GCC countries are now a net drain on offshore dollar liquidity. The Saudis...

By Brad Setser
Warsh Signals Evolution, Not Revolution at the Fed
NewsApr 21, 2026

Warsh Signals Evolution, Not Revolution at the Fed

Kevin Warsh’s Senate testimony highlighted a push for gradual, not radical, changes at the Federal Reserve. He reiterated long‑held criticism of the Fed’s oversized balance sheet and advocated slow, predictable reductions while relying on interest‑rate tools rather than balance‑sheet adjustments....

By Financial Times – Global Economy
Wait for Confirmation, Avoid Impulse Trade Regret
SocialApr 21, 2026

Wait for Confirmation, Avoid Impulse Trade Regret

Impulse Trade = Instant Regret 🚨 You entered too early? That’s why you lost. Wait for confirmation. #SmartMoney #ForexTrading #ICTConcepts #TradingTips #reels

By ICT & SMC Master
BOJ to Skip Rate Hike Next Week; June Seen as Next Window
NewsApr 21, 2026

BOJ to Skip Rate Hike Next Week; June Seen as Next Window

The Bank of Japan is expected to keep its policy rate at 0.75% during the April 28 meeting, postponing any further tightening. Governor Kazuo Ueda cited recent disruptions to Middle‑East oil supplies as a key factor, seeking more data on...

By Nikkei Asia – Economy
Ringgit Set to Retest 3.88/USD as Foreign Inflows Surge
NewsApr 21, 2026

Ringgit Set to Retest 3.88/USD as Foreign Inflows Surge

Economists and Bank Muamalat chief economist project Malaysia's ringgit will retest the 3.88 per US dollar level, driven by a 2.8% year‑to‑date appreciation and net foreign inflows of roughly $420 million this year. The outlook hinges on solid domestic growth, stable...

By Pulse
RBI Governor Warns Global Supply Shocks Could Trigger Second‑Round Inflation in India
NewsApr 21, 2026

RBI Governor Warns Global Supply Shocks Could Trigger Second‑Round Inflation in India

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra warned that ongoing West Asia conflict could turn first‑round price shocks into entrenched second‑round inflation, stressing the need for data‑driven monetary policy and careful forex interventions. The central bank, holding $710 billion in reserves,...

By Pulse
Warsh Signals Normalcy, Yet Bias May Influence 2026 Rate Cuts
SocialApr 21, 2026

Warsh Signals Normalcy, Yet Bias May Influence 2026 Rate Cuts

Warsh is presenting himself as if he intends to be a normal Fed Chair. Either he intends to put his thumb on the scale despite what he is saying in Congress or the President is going to be disappointed. Dollar...

By John Kicklighter
RBI Eases Rupee NDF Curbs but Banks Stay Cautious as NDC Trading Resumes
NewsApr 21, 2026

RBI Eases Rupee NDF Curbs but Banks Stay Cautious as NDC Trading Resumes

The Reserve Bank of India has partially withdrawn its April 1 curbs on rupee non‑deliverable forwards, permitting cancellation, rollover and back‑to‑back trades while keeping a $100 million net‑open position cap. Despite the easing, major banks remain hesitant to offer NDF contracts,...

By Pulse
Taking Bank of Korea Helm, Crisis-Era Veteran Pursues Ambitious Won Overhaul
NewsApr 21, 2026

Taking Bank of Korea Helm, Crisis-Era Veteran Pursues Ambitious Won Overhaul

Shin Hyun Song, a veteran economist who warned of the 2008 crisis, has taken over as governor of the Bank of Korea. He unveiled an ambitious plan to internationalize the won, including round‑the‑clock FX trading and an offshore settlement system,...

By The Japan Times – Books
Peter Kažimír: Transformation, Integration and the New Frontier of Monetary Policy
NewsApr 21, 2026

Peter Kažimír: Transformation, Integration and the New Frontier of Monetary Policy

Peter Kažimír outlined Slovakia’s three‑decade journey from a post‑communist economy to a stable euro‑zone member. He emphasized that macro‑economic stability, openness, and a credible central bank were prerequisites for growth, and that banking reforms were critical to transmit policy. The...

By BIS — Press Releases
Israeli Shekel Breaks NIS 3 per Dollar, Hitting 30‑Year Low
NewsApr 21, 2026

Israeli Shekel Breaks NIS 3 per Dollar, Hitting 30‑Year Low

The Israeli shekel slipped below 3 new shekels per U.S. dollar, its lowest level since 1995 and a three‑decade trough. Analysts attribute the move to a surge of foreign‑currency inflows, including a $32 billion sale of cybersecurity firm Wiz to Google,...

By Pulse
FX Daily: Dollar to Weigh up Warsh
NewsApr 21, 2026

FX Daily: Dollar to Weigh up Warsh

Kevin Warsh’s Senate confirmation hearing is set to dominate U.S. monetary policy headlines, with markets expecting a dovish stance on rates and a hawkish approach to the Fed’s balance‑sheet reduction. A potential Iranian delegation to peace talks in Pakistan is...

By ING — THINK Economics
Geopolitics and FX Cloud Treasury Outlook - Weekly Roundup: 21 April
NewsApr 21, 2026

Geopolitics and FX Cloud Treasury Outlook - Weekly Roundup: 21 April

Treasury teams are feeling heightened pressure from geopolitics, with 88% of respondents expressing moderate to high concern, prompting a defensive shift toward money‑market funds and early AI adoption for cash forecasting. European banks see digital assets as a modest threat,...

By CTMfile (Corporate Treasury Management)
FX Option Expiries for 21 April 10am New York Cut
BlogApr 21, 2026

FX Option Expiries for 21 April 10am New York Cut

InvestingLive notes two FX option expiries on 21 April at 10 a.m. New York time, both for EUR/USD at the 1.1760 and 1.1800 strikes. The pair is currently confined between a 200‑hour moving‑average floor around 1.1752 and a daily ceiling at 1.1800, forming...

By investingLive – Asia-Pacific News Wrap
InvestingLive Asia-Pacific FX News Wrap: Vance Heading to Pakistan for Talks with Iran
BlogApr 21, 2026

InvestingLive Asia-Pacific FX News Wrap: Vance Heading to Pakistan for Talks with Iran

Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Islamabad for a cease‑fire negotiation with Iran after the Supreme Leader approved a delegation, despite Tehran’s public rejection of talks under pressure. The diplomatic effort aims to avert escalation in the...

By investingLive – Asia-Pacific News Wrap
Westpac Sees US Dollar Weakening as Markets Look Through Energy Shock and Tensions
BlogApr 21, 2026

Westpac Sees US Dollar Weakening as Markets Look Through Energy Shock and Tensions

Westpac argues that despite heightened Middle East tensions, the U.S. dollar is losing steam as markets price a gradual normalization of shipping flows and improving global trade. The bank forecasts the U.S. Dollar Index falling from the high‑90s to the...

By investingLive – Asia-Pacific News Wrap
Recapping - NZD Rises After CPI Beat as Markets Price Higher Odds of May RBNZ Rate Hike
BlogApr 21, 2026

Recapping - NZD Rises After CPI Beat as Markets Price Higher Odds of May RBNZ Rate Hike

New Zealand’s consumer price index rose 0.9% in the March quarter, leaving annual inflation at 3.1%—still above the Reserve Bank’s 1‑3% target. The surprise pushed the market’s implied probability of a May RBNZ rate hike to roughly 45%, up from...

By investingLive – Asia-Pacific News Wrap
PH Dollar Deficit Swells to over One-Year High on Middle East Crisis
NewsApr 21, 2026

PH Dollar Deficit Swells to over One-Year High on Middle East Crisis

In March 2026 the Philippines recorded a $2.6 billion balance‑of‑payments deficit, the widest since January 2025, as soaring energy prices tied to the Middle‑East crisis forced higher dollar outflows. The first‑quarter gap widened to $5.3 billion, 79% higher than a year earlier,...

By Philippine Daily Inquirer – Business
ECB Stalls Rate Decision as Iran War Fuels Dual Uncertainty
NewsApr 21, 2026

ECB Stalls Rate Decision as Iran War Fuels Dual Uncertainty

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Governing Council member Álvaro Santos Pereira warned that the Iran war creates a "double uncertainty" around shock duration and inflation pass‑through. They urged a data‑driven approach, signaling likely rate‑hold at the upcoming meeting...

By Pulse
India's Sensex Nudges up 27 Points to 78,520 as Nifty Steadies Above 24,300
NewsApr 21, 2026

India's Sensex Nudges up 27 Points to 78,520 as Nifty Steadies Above 24,300

India's benchmark indices closed marginally higher on Monday, with the BSE Sensex gaining 26.76 points to 78,520.30 and the NSE Nifty 50 inching up 11.30 points to 24,364.85. The modest rally came despite heightened geopolitical risk from US‑Iran tensions and...

By Pulse
USD Pairs Set for Bullish Swing Trades Tomorrow
SocialApr 21, 2026

USD Pairs Set for Bullish Swing Trades Tomorrow

📊 Tomorrow’s Plan – USD Pairs 🚀 Guys, tomorrow we will focus on USD pairs for swing opportunities 📈 🔎 Current Outlook: ➡️ USD pairs are showing bullish potential ➡️ USDCAD (D1) is now on our watchlist 👀 🎯 Our Plan: • Wait for price to...

By ICT & SMC Master
Fed's Shift: From Late Powell to Sock Puppet Warsh
SocialApr 21, 2026

Fed's Shift: From Late Powell to Sock Puppet Warsh

It seems like the Fed is going from “Too Late” Powell to “Sock Puppet” Warsh. Will “Sock Puppet” Stick?

By Jim Bianco
Fed's Waller Signals Rate Hold as Inflation and Labor Risks Loom
NewsApr 21, 2026

Fed's Waller Signals Rate Hold as Inflation and Labor Risks Loom

Fed Governor Christopher Waller told an audience in Alabama that the Federal Reserve is likely to keep its benchmark rate unchanged in the 3.5%‑3.75% range. He warned that persistent inflation and a slowing labor market make aggressive policy moves risky,...

By Pulse
New BOK Governor Emphasizes Inflation Control and Financial Stability
SocialApr 21, 2026

New BOK Governor Emphasizes Inflation Control and Financial Stability

Interesting passage from @HyunSongShin's first speech as governor of the Bank of Korea: https://t.co/usPzjCjld0 https://t.co/DePG6zH4MH

By Matthew C. Klein
Warsh May Trim Fed Press Conferences if Confirmed
SocialApr 21, 2026

Warsh May Trim Fed Press Conferences if Confirmed

Fed Chair nominee Warsh hints he would reduce the number of press conferences if confirmed (Powell currently does one after every rate decision)

By Victoria Guida
AUD/USD Climbs to 0.7176 as Weaker Dollar and RBA Tightening Outlook Fuel Bullish Bias
NewsApr 21, 2026

AUD/USD Climbs to 0.7176 as Weaker Dollar and RBA Tightening Outlook Fuel Bullish Bias

The Australian dollar gained against the US dollar, trading around 0.7176, as the US Dollar Index slipped near 98.00 and market participants priced in a possible tightening cycle from the Reserve Bank of Australia. The move reflects a blend of...

By Pulse
Central Banks Must Act Differently in Crises, Leveraging Credibility
SocialApr 21, 2026

Central Banks Must Act Differently in Crises, Leveraging Credibility

Warsh: central banks need to act differently in crisis versus other times. Those other times is when the credibility is built for the assertiveness during crises when they should be given the benefit of the doubt.

By Axel Merk
AUD/USD Jumps 5%, Bulls Eye Critical Resistance
SocialApr 21, 2026

AUD/USD Jumps 5%, Bulls Eye Critical Resistance

Australian Dollar Outlook: AUD/USD Surges 5%- Bulls Face Key Resistance Test https://t.co/HttJernfOE $AUDUSD Daily & 240min Charts https://t.co/0TtICC6wAu

By Michael Boutros
Treasury Sec Paulson: US Needs Emergency "Break The Glass Plan" Ready To Deal With Dumped Treasuries & Spiking Interest Rates
BlogApr 20, 2026

Treasury Sec Paulson: US Needs Emergency "Break The Glass Plan" Ready To Deal With Dumped Treasuries & Spiking Interest Rates

Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson warned that the United States needs an emergency “break‑the‑glass” plan to address a possible flood of Treasury sales and rapidly rising interest rates. He linked the threat to a potential erosion of the petrodollar system...

By Jensen's Economic, Precious Metals, & Markets Newsletter
Retire Dot Plots, Forward Guidance, and Cut Press Conferences
SocialApr 21, 2026

Retire Dot Plots, Forward Guidance, and Cut Press Conferences

Shitposting aside, I think it would be a great move to retire dot plots, forward guidance, and have less press conferences

By Felix Jauvin
Two Senators, Decades‑Long Ties, Introduce Fed Nominee
SocialApr 21, 2026

Two Senators, Decades‑Long Ties, Introduce Fed Nominee

Sen. Dave McCormick is introducing Kevin Warsh at his confirmation hearing, one of at least two senators who have known the Fed chair nominee for decades (Bill Hagerty being the other)

By Victoria Guida
UAE Seeks U.S. Dollar Swap Line as Iran Conflict Threatens Liquidity
NewsApr 20, 2026

UAE Seeks U.S. Dollar Swap Line as Iran Conflict Threatens Liquidity

UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama met U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington to propose a dollar‑denominated currency‑swap line that would give the Gulf state cheap access to U.S. dollars if the war with Iran deepens. The talks...

By Pulse
Guindos Urges ECB to Stay Prudent on Rates
SocialApr 21, 2026

Guindos Urges ECB to Stay Prudent on Rates

Guindos says the ECB needs to be prudent, keep a cool head on interest rates https://t.co/M1IReINmVX via @basteiro https://t.co/oIMMI7cOLA

By Zöe Schneeweiss
Trump Backs Rate Hikes yet Demands World’s Lowest Rates
SocialApr 21, 2026

Trump Backs Rate Hikes yet Demands World’s Lowest Rates

Kernen: Would you ever be OK with the Fed raising rates if inflation becomes a problem? Trump: “I think Kevin’s great…. I’ve been in favor of interest rate rises to fight inflation” but “we should have the lowest interest rate in...

By Nick Timiraos
Why the BIS Is Worried About Stablecoins
NewsApr 20, 2026

Why the BIS Is Worried About Stablecoins

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) warned that the stablecoin market’s concentration—dominated by Tether and Circle, which together hold about 85% of the $315 billion supply—poses systemic risks. BIS General Manager Pablo Hernandez de Cos called for stronger international regulatory coordination to...

By PaymentsJournal
Trump Says He'd Be Disappointed if Rates Aren't Cut
SocialApr 21, 2026

Trump Says He'd Be Disappointed if Rates Aren't Cut

President Trump asked on CNBC if he would be disappointed if Warsh didn’t cut rates right away because of the Iran war or other factors: “I would”

By Victoria Guida
Warsh's Confirmation Will Be Measured by Powell Standard
SocialApr 21, 2026

Warsh's Confirmation Will Be Measured by Powell Standard

My take: A successful central banker, the adage goes, moves interest rates the right way at the right time and looks like he knows what he is doing. If Kevin Warsh is confirmed, he will be judged by...

By David Wessel
ING Sees DXY Settle in 98‑98.5 Range as Gulf Tension Keeps FX Options Volatile
NewsApr 20, 2026

ING Sees DXY Settle in 98‑98.5 Range as Gulf Tension Keeps FX Options Volatile

ING economist Chris Turner expects the US Dollar Index to trade between 98.00 and 98.50 this quarter, citing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lingering Middle‑East conflict risk. The forecast signals a tighter range for FX options pricing...

By Pulse
RBI's Liquidity Flood Drives Rupee Sharply Lower
SocialApr 21, 2026

RBI's Liquidity Flood Drives Rupee Sharply Lower

#IndiaWatch🇮🇳: The Reserve Bank of India is DIGGING A HOLE for the rupee. After years of tight management, now the RBI is FLOODING India with liquidity and the rupee is tanking. https://t.co/fy7Uowe3o2

By Steve Hanke
Fed Stuck Between Rate Hike and Cut Amid Global Strain
SocialApr 20, 2026

Fed Stuck Between Rate Hike and Cut Amid Global Strain

Debate within the Fed about whether its next move is up or down intensifying. Fed is in an uncomfortabke holding pattern on rates. Its inflation-fighting credibiity is eroding. War distributions creating COVID like supply chain problems - emerging Asia hit...

By Diane Swonk
Oil Surge Pushes Brazil Real Toward 4.50/USD
SocialApr 20, 2026

Oil Surge Pushes Brazil Real Toward 4.50/USD

We're on our way to $/BRL 4.50. Oil prices aren't going to fall back to pre-war levels quickly, which lifts Brazil's terms of trade and the Real. I'm moving my posts behind a paywall in coming months. Please consider subscribing...

By Robin Brooks
US‑Iran Talks Will Steer Markets over Next 48 Hours
SocialApr 20, 2026

US‑Iran Talks Will Steer Markets over Next 48 Hours

Here's the top global macro event risk over the next 48 hours. I think there is a lot of important backdrop to the likes of US retail sales, UK jobs and Tesla earnings....however, I think the US-Iran negotiations will be responsible...

By John Kicklighter
Hormuz Blockade Drives Iran's Currency to Record Weakness
SocialApr 20, 2026

Hormuz Blockade Drives Iran's Currency to Record Weakness

Read a good summary of the economic impact of the Hormuz blockade on Iran by Foreign Affairs. A good rudimentary reminder of the pressure is the exchange rate: USD/IRR is 1.320 mln and black market looks to be around 1.512...

By John Kicklighter
ECB Holds Off April Rate Hike Amid Uncertainty
SocialApr 20, 2026

ECB Holds Off April Rate Hike Amid Uncertainty

🇪🇺ECB unlikely to hike in April. ⁦@Lagarde⁩: « This double uncertainty about the duration of the shock and the breadth of pass-through argues for gathering more information before drawing firm conclusions for our monetary policy. » https://t.co/nkISsCK5gz

By Frederik Ducrozet
Warsh: Fed Independence Rests with Itself, Inflation Its Duty
SocialApr 20, 2026

Warsh: Fed Independence Rests with Itself, Inflation Its Duty

Kevin Warsh is set to tell the Senate at his hearing Tuesday that "Fed independence is largely up to the Fed" and that inflation is the Fed's responsibility "without excuse or equivocation" https://t.co/tzi2zEeXj8

By Nick Timiraos