AUD/USD Range-Bound After RBA Hike to 4.35%; USD/JPY Slides on Intervention Fear

AUD/USD remains confined in a narrow range following the Reserve Bank of Australia's widely expected rate hike to 4.35%, with the central bank signaling a potential pause in its tightening cycle. The muted reaction reflects markets having fully priced in the move, leaving the pair directionless amid a broader US-Iran geopolitical stalemate. USD/JPY continues to slide as traders exercise caution ahead of possible Japanese intervention, with authorities closely monitoring yen weakness. The Indian Rupee is flirting with record lows against the dollar as rising US-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz keep risk sentiment fragile. Oil prices remain elevated on supply disruption fears, providing a modest floor for commodity-linked currencies. Switzerland's April CPI printed at +0.6%, offering limited CHF volatility. Gold maintains a neutral-to-bearish outlook amid the prolonged geopolitical standoff and a neutral Federal Reserve stance. US equity futures are holding steadier after the prior session's decline. Traders should monitor intervention headlines on JPY and any escalation in Middle East tensions for near-term directional cues across major pairs.