Markets Hold Steady Amid US-Iran Deal Uncertainty

Currency markets were largely unchanged on Thursday as concerns about a proposed US-Iran deal and jitters over upcoming US payroll data kept traders cautious.

The yen was little changed at 157.71 per dollar after weakening for two straight sessions, but remains well off its multi-decade low of around 164 reached last month.

The euro and sterling were also flat, while the New Zealand and Australian dollars held steady.

Brent crude futures fell 0.5% to $79.08 a barrel, near levels seen in June when the US and Iran signed an interim peace agreement.

Market strategist Ray Attrill of National Australia Bank noted that markets were 'in sort of watch and wait mode', waiting to see if a deal would be struck between the US and Iran.