US Stock Futures Slip as Trump Rejects Iran Peace Proposal Amid Rising Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Surge Over 3% as Trump Rejects Iran Peace Response 
Dollar Slips as Strong U.S. Jobs Data Reduces Fed Rate Cut Expectations 
Norway Core Inflation Hits 3.2% in April, Fueling Interest Rate Hike Expectations 
European Stocks Fall as US-Iran Conflict Rekindles Energy Supply Fears 
Malaysia Unveils Energy Security Plan Amid Iran Conflict and Rising Oil Costs 
China Inflation Jumps as Iran Conflict Drives Energy Costs Higher 
Trump to Visit China for Key U.S.-China Summit With Xi Jinping 
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as AI Stocks Rally and Strong Jobs Data Boost Confidence 
Asian Stocks Rise Despite Middle East Tensions as Chipmakers Boost Markets 
South Korea Central Bank Signals Inflation Concerns as Oil Prices Surge 
Saudi Aramco Q1 Profit Jumps 25% as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Reshapes Oil Exports 
Oil Prices Rise Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Uncertainty 
Australia Budget 2026: Smaller Deficit Expected Amid Tax Reform Push 
Dollar Struggles to Rally Despite Strong US Data as Fed Hike Expectations Remain Limited 
Dollar Rises as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
Indian stock markets opened sharply lower on Monday as investors reacted to growing concerns over the economic fallout from the escalating Middle East conflict and rising crude oil prices. The Nifty 50 index declined 1.2% in early trading, while the BSE Sensex dropped 1.4%, reflecting investor anxiety over India’s heavy dependence on imported oil.
Market sentiment weakened further after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures and reduce non-essential spending. Speaking during a weekend event, Modi encouraged practices similar to the COVID-19 period, including remote work, reduced petrol and diesel usage, and lower consumption of imported goods such as edible oils and fertilizers. He also advised people to postpone luxury spending on gold purchases and international travel for at least a year.
The remarks sparked speculation that India could soon increase domestic fuel prices to offset mounting pressure on oil marketing companies as global crude prices continue to surge. Analysts warn that higher fuel costs may trigger inflationary pressure across the economy, affecting transportation, manufacturing, and consumer spending.
India, the world’s third-largest crude oil importer, relies on imports for nearly 88% of its oil needs. The ongoing Iran conflict has intensified fears over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. Although India has diversified oil imports through Russia, the United States, and West Africa, prolonged instability in the Middle East continues to pose serious risks.
Foreign investors have already pulled billions from Indian equities in recent months. According to ANZ, Indian markets recorded approximately $5.2 billion in capital outflows during April alone. The Nifty 50 has now fallen nearly 9% in 2026, significantly underperforming broader Asian markets as geopolitical tensions and energy concerns continue to pressure investor confidence.
