The Australian dollar strengthened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday, as Asian shares traded higher, amid hopes a fresh round of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. this week will help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The continuing drop in crude oil prices amid hopes of the potential opening of the Strait of Hormuz also aided market sentiment.
Reports indicated that Tehran could consider allowing free passage for ships via the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz if a deal is reached to prevent renewed escalation.
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Market Analysis
May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.