- April 14, 2026
- Posted by: EWGFX
- Category: news
FTSE rises on US-Iran peace hopes. EUR/USD rises on Middle East optimism and ahead of US PPI data.
FTSE Rises on US-Iran Peace Hopes
The FTSE, along with its European peers are moving higher on Tuesday, supported by renewed optimism that a diplomatic path between the U.S. and Iran remains open.
President Trump said Iran had approached Washington regarding a potential agreement, raising hopes of a lasting peace in the Middle East. He also noted that 34 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz yesterday — the highest level since the conflict began — helping push oil prices back below $100 per barrel and easing inflation concerns.
Chinese data has also been in focus, with the trade balance falling sharply in March amid a jump in imports driven by steadily growing domestic demand for AI chips and AI infrastructure. Growth in Chinese exports also slowed sharply as the US–Israel war on Iran weighed on global shipping activity and demand.
The trade balance fell to a US$51.13 billion surplus in March, below the expected $107.50 billion surplus and sharply down from the $213.62 billion surplus in February.
Exports rose 2.5%, missing expectations of 8.3% growth and marking the slowest pace since early 2025. Meanwhile, imports surged 27.8% in March, well above the 11.1% increase expected.
The data had little impact on the FTSE, but the KOSPI tech sector jumped over 6%.
EUR/USD Rises on Middle East Optimism and Ahead of US PPI Data
EUR/USD is rising for a seventh straight day on Tuesday, supported by improving market sentiment and optimism around potential further peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. The pair is now trading at its highest level since the conflict began.
The U.S. dollar is extending its decline for a seventh consecutive session — its longest losing streak since December — as safe-haven demand fades on hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough. Reports suggest negotiations between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with expectations that Iran could move towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Attention is also turning to U.S. PPI data, which is expected to show wholesale inflation rising to 4.6% year-on-year from 3.4%, and 1.2% month-on-month from 0.7%. Persistently strong price pressures could reinforce expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer.