International News 31 March 2026
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Asia Hit by Twin Pressures: Rising Energy Prices and Weakened Currencies
The conflict in Iran is placing Asian economies under dual pressure, weakening their currencies while simultaneously driving up energy prices. Policymakers across the Asia-Pacific region are now facing one of their toughest challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic, with limited policy tools available to cushion the economic impact. According to Reuters (March 30, 2026), Asia remains heavily dependent on energy supplies from the Middle East, with roughly 80% of its oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts at J.P. Morgan warns that supply shortages are expected to intensify between April and May, underscoring the urgency for governments to act swiftly in mitigating potential economic fallout.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/asia-dihantam-double-shock-energi-mahal-mata-uang-tertekan
Morgan Stanley Cuts Global Equity Rating
Morgan Stanley has downgraded global equities while upgrading cash and U.S. government bonds, as investors shift toward safe-haven assets amid rising uncertainty driven by the conflict in the Middle East. The firm lowered its rating on global equities to “equal weight” from “overweight,” while raising its outlook on U.S. Treasuries and cash to “overweight” from “equal weight.” Strategists at Morgan Stanley noted that uncertainty surrounding the scale and duration of oil supply disruptions has made returns on risk assets increasingly asymmetric, according to Reuters.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/morgan-stanley-pangkas-peringkat-saham-global
US Dollar Index Climbs Near 10-Month High, Here’s What’s Driving It
The United States Dollar hovered near a 10-month high on Monday (March 30, 2026) and is on track for its strongest monthly gain since July 2025, as mixed signals from Iran and the United States dampened hopes for a swift resolution to the Middle East conflict. Donald Trump stated that Iran’s new leadership had been “very reasonable,” even as additional U.S. troops arrived in the region. Meanwhile, Tehran warned it would not tolerate any provocation. On Monday, the U.S. dollar index remained largely unchanged at 100.19, after previously reaching 100.54 in mid-March its highest level since May 2025 and staying on course for its biggest monthly rise since July 2025.