[MARKET ANALYSIS] USD marginally firmer; NZD softer after cooler-than-expected CPI

DXY is marginally firmer (101.67-101.74 range), with the USD little changed against most peers as Middle East headlines remain in focus, including reports of Iranian missiles launched towards the Strait of Hormuz and the NYT reporting that the US and Israel have developed plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the US midterms. EUR/USD is flat (1.1226-1.1236 range), with French unrest and the wider OAT-Bund spread still in focus ahead of Moody's review on Friday. GBP/USD is flat (1.3381-1.3399 range), after Wednesday's marginal gains on hotter-than-expected UK CPI. USD/JPY is marginally lower (158.03-158.25 range), while data showed foreigners were net sellers of Japanese stocks in the week to 17th October. AUD/USD underperforms (0.7018-0.7037 range), after outperforming on Wednesday, with the subdued APAC risk tone also weighing on the Aussie. NZD/USD is slightly lower (0.5686-0.5710 range), after Q3 CPI came in softer than expected at 0.7% Q/Q (exp. 0.8%) and 3.7% Y/Y (exp. 3.8%).