ECB policymaker MAKHLOUF said inflationary pressures have not yet eased.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group analyst Derek Halpenny said a sustained surge in energy prices, especially if a US‑Iran conflict intensifies, could put downward pressure on the euro and pound. Higher natural gas prices would hit household incomes and likely damp consumer spending and economic growth. He noted that while market rate expectations for the Fed, ECB and BoE are converging, investors may view the US economy as better able to withstand tighter policy.

Baltic Dry Index rose 0.66% to 2,743.