The U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.3% to 98.77 as safe‑haven demand surged amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump said the U.S. Navy will “shoot and kill” any boat laying mines in the Strait, raising tensions.
Better‑than‑expected U.S. flash PMI data showed business activity rebounding in April, supporting the dollar and fueling expectations of delayed Fed rate cuts.
Oil prices rose above $100, eurozone private‑sector output contracted, and South Korea posted its fastest Q1 growth in six years, affecting markets.