By Ian Werther in News — 14 Mar 2026

Dollar strengthens on safe-haven demand as Middle East tensions persist; won weakens.

Strong demand for safe assets pushed the dollar higher as the war in the Middle East appears set to stretch into a longer confrontation and oil markets stayed volatile. The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, rose above 100 for the first time since late November, while the won weakened past 1,500 to the dollar in late trading in Seoul.

The dollar index (DXY) stood at 100.068 as of 4:31 p.m., up 0.33% from the previous session. A reading above 100 means the dollar has strengthened against its major peers. The move comes after a sharp rise in risk aversion and expectations that energy prices could stay elevated if the conflict persists.

In the South Korean market, the won slid against the dollar, with the USD/KRW rate trading around 1,500.9 at 5:17 p.m. local time. Earlier that day, the pair traded intraday at a high of about 1,505.8 won per dollar. Overnight Korea time saw thinner trading volume, which typically leads to larger intraday swings.

035 B Street, X. W.. Washixgtox, D. C,
23
BOLGIANO'S EXTRA EARLY TRIUMPH PEAS.-
Prices'bn all kinds of Peas subject to advance without notice. Add loc. per quart extra if to
One quart will plant 125 feet of drill.
One and one-half bushels to the acre.
The earliest of all ; uniform and productive.
The success of our Extra Early Triumph Peas
has been surprising. It has distanced every other
early Pea. Large truckers have found it to be
the best variety, and our large stocks have never
been equal to the demand for them. Every pro-
yffressive grower should have them. Pint, 10c.
Quart, loc. Gallon, 40c. Peck, 60c. Bush. $2.00.
Extra Early Alaska Peas.— The earliest of
all smooth Green Peas, having the best color
when shelled and the best quality when cooked.
The dark green color of the pods makes it ex-
tremely desirable, as it can be carried long dis-
tances without losing color, which quality, com-
bined with its earliness and uniformity of ripen-
J, make it one of the best extra Early Peas for
ckers and market gardeners. Pint, 10c. Quart,
. Gallon, 40c. Peck, 60c. Bushel, $2.00.
Jural Xew Yorker.— Seed white, slightly
ited, of vigorous habit. Pods of fine shade,
contains from six to nine peas of fine qual-
ity; prolific, extra early, uniform in growth and
ripening. Height, 2i feet. Pint, 10c. Quart, 15c.
(Gallon, 40c. Peck, 60c. Bushel, $2 00.
y First and Best.— One of the early varie-
ties, about 2 feet high. Pint, 10c. Quart, 15c.
Gallon, 40c. Peck, 60c. Bushel, $2.00.
Kentish Invicta. — An Extra Early Pea,
with greenish hue. One of the best for canning
and market. Pint, 10c. Quart, 20c. Peck, 60c.
Bushel, $2.00.
^- Extra Early Xonpareil Pea.— This marke^„^--*-^
gardener's Pea is first in market and very true tyiJ^T^
It is used by many of our Southern customers with
much satisfaction. The entre crop can be had in a
single picking, and its beautiful green pod retains its
color in freshness longer than any other sorts. It is
an abundant cropper and the pods good sized. It
suits Ipng distance shipment, and we recommend it
to gjtfdeners who grow for early markets. Pint, 10c.
Q^rt, 20c. Gallon, 50c. Peck, 65c. Bushel, $2.00
y/ Extra Early Morning Star Pea.— Has been
\r ready for picking in 42 days from date of planting,
which makes it the earliest pea in cultivation. It
withstands severest changes of weather; pods are
perfect and filled, and the entire crop may be gath-
ered for the earliest shipments. Many of our largest
customers use this pea, and it gives them satisfac-
tion. Pint, 10c. Quart, 20c. Gallon, 50c. Peck,
65c. Bushel, $2.00.
First in the 3Iarket Pea.— Is suitable for
those who grow largely for early shipment, because
its pods,mature in seven weeks from planting, and
the entire crop may be gathered at one time. The
plant is short and very prolific. Pint, 10c. Quart,
SOc. Gallon, 50c. Peck, 65c. Bushel, $2.00.
Tom Tlivmib. — A favorite with many on account
of its dwarf habit. Is very productive, and pro-
duces pods of good size. The peas are sweet and ten-
der. Pint, 10c. Quart, 20c. Peck, $1.00. Bush. $4.00.
Hmproved New Marrowfat or Sugar Pea.
— This is the gardener's favorite for second crop
Peas. ^Its luxurious growth and abundant large and
handsome pods reward cultivation, and are used in
immense quantities by our canners around Baltimore.
Thousands of acres are annually planted with this
crop. Pint, 10c. Quart, loc. Gallon, 40c. Peck,
60c. Bushel, $1.50.
be sent by mail.
- French Canner Pea. — Long used by French
canners for their celebrated brands of canned peas.
Now used largely in this country as a market pea and
for canning purposes. The vine grows 3^ feet,
abounding with large pods filled with peas almost
the size of the Extra Early sorts, and the crop comes
in bearing as a second crop. Pint, 10c. Quart, 15c.
Gallon, 30c. Peck, 50c. Bushel, $1.40.
warf Prolific Green Marrows.— This new
Pea,, giant podded, has given satisfaction to all who
have planted it the past three seasons. It grows
about two feet high, and bears enormous, handsome
pods, 7 to 8 inches in length, filled with large, deli-
ciously flavored deep green peas from top to bottom.
They require no support, owing to their fine, dwarfy,
stocky habit. We know of no pea from which so
large a bulk of produce can be obtained from a given
number of vines. It is much hardier than either the
Telephone or Stratagem, and can be planted much
earlier. It matures about 10 days later than our fa-
mous Extra Early, making a valuable second early,
as well as our finest late Pea. Pint, 10c Quart, 20c.
Gallon, 50c. Peck, 90c. Bushel, $3.50.
CULTURE OF PEAS.— For early crop sow in Febni-
arj' or March as soon as the ground can be worked, and in
succession as desired. Rich soil is the best. Make double
rows, eig-ht inches apart: then allow a clear space three feet
or more between these and the next rows. Drop Peas along
these rows five inches apart, and between the rows plant
brush, to which the vines will cling. According to the grow-
ing tendencies of the different varieties, the brush or any
other artificial support maybe long or short.
For market crop sow in single rows three inches deep any
two or three feet apart, according to variety,
Ycmr Ala&ka Pea^ were the best I ever used. PicTied fifty
boxes to a bushel of Peas planted. F. H. STOKES,
May 5, 1798. York River, Va.
Your AlasT.a Peas were the earliest crop I had, and 1
picked eighty bushels for one planted.

June, 1898. B. T. FOARD, Md. — Representative image for context; not directly related to the specific event in this article. License: Public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Analysts linked the broader dollar strength to safe-haven demand amid fears that a prolonged Middle East conflict could push energy prices higher. Iran has signaled the possibility of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments, which has fed expectations of a sustained energy price shock and potential drag on global growth.

Oil markets were further influenced by these tensions, with traders watching for price trajectories that could increase costs for the United States and other oil-importing economies. Neil Soderland, portfolio manager at Schroder Investment Management, said higher oil prices could improve the United States’ trade terms and raise the dollar’s appeal in energy-related transactions, supporting a broader dollar rally.

WE ARE LARGE GROWERS OF
ONION/SETS,
And can make you Special Prices on application.
White Silver Skin and Yellow Danvers
AT LOWEST MARKET PRICES.
Two-bushel bags to bold Onion Sets, 5c. each.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Dibbles, 30c. each ; $3.00 per dozen.
Whale Oil Soap. 10c. a cake. By mail, loc.
Grafting Wax — J pound, 10c. i pound, 15c. Pound packages, 30c. By
mail 8c. per pound additio'nal.
Trowels, 10c.
Weeding Hooks, 5c.
LAWN FERTILIZER.
A Fertilizer Giving Vigor, Strength and Color to Grass and Plants.
The danger arising from the use of barn-yard manure on lawns has caused a demand for a fertilizer con-
taining plant food the same as stable manure, and yet free from obnc»xious seeds. There are irianj advantages
from the use of a fertilizer over barn-yard manure. In the lirst place, in the use of the fertilizer there is no
danger of an importation of seeds, the growth of sorrel, Aveeds, etc. The question is so thoroughly understood
and appreciated by those having beautiful lawns, which they desire to feed and not injure, that further comment
is unnecessary. Package, 10c. 5 pound, 25c. 10 pounds, 45c. 25 pounds, $1.00.
ROOKY FORD OANTALOUPE.
FINE SEED DIRECT FROM
ROCKY FORD, COLORADO.
After a trial of two years in the East. I am convinced that this melon has come
to stay. It is small oblong in shape and size. AVell netted and of green flesh, its
flavor is pecidiar to itself, being diflerent and distinct to any other. What has sur-
prised me is the remarkable sale that has been accorded it in the East, after i)eing on
the cars .several days. I have never known the merits of a cantaloupe to become
known as quickly all over this country as this one.
I would advise that every market gardener give this a trial in a small way. and
see if his land suits it. I feel sure that it has come to sta.-. and will And its place in
every private and market garden. 1 have gotten my seed from one of the most prom-
inent men in RoCky Ford, ColoradO. He says that he has grown seed for several
years for his neighbors, and says that my stock is the finest to be had in that country.

Idc. per Ounce. oOc. per (Quarter Pound. ^1.2o per pound — Representative image for context; not directly related to the specific event in this article. License: Public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The episode also weighed on other major currencies. The euro and the yen weakened, with the yen hitting its lowest level since July 2024. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Tokyo is in close contact with U.S. authorities, highlighting the level of coordination sought by Tokyo amid market turbulence.

For U.S. readers, the moves matter beyond Korea because the dollar’s strength can influence inflation, the cost of imported goods, and the financial conditions that affect American exporters and investors. A sustained surge in energy prices would shape not only global growth prospects but also U.S. monetary and fiscal policy considerations as markets reassess risk and funding costs.

In context, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global oil flows, and any disruption tends to ripple through commodity markets, currency valuations, and geopolitical risk assessments. Markets will be closely watching oil prices, shipping logistics, and policy responses as the situation evolves.

Subscribe to Journal of Korea