UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Markets Await China Stimulus
Most Asian currencies remained stable on Thursday, as investors awaited clearer signals on potential financial stimulus from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar maintained its strength, reaching 2.5-month highs driven by rising speculation over Donald Trump's possible second term as president.
Dollar Steadies on Trump Trade Prospects
The U.S. dollar index saw a slight dip in Asian markets but stayed near its peak since early August. Predictions of a Trump re-election, which crypto betting platforms like Polymarket currently favor, have boosted the dollar. While some media polls show Vice President Kamala Harris with a narrow lead, Trump’s policies—such as tariff increases and closer Fed coordination—are expected to drive inflation, bolstering both the dollar and U.S. Treasury yields.
Adding to the dollar's strength was the euro's decline ahead of an anticipated European Central Bank interest rate cut.
Chinese Yuan Slips Amid Housing Stimulus Concerns
The Chinese yuan weakened slightly, with the USDCNY pair rising by 0.1%. Investors were disappointed by the latest housing sector stimulus measures, which fell short of expectations during a government briefing. With third-quarter GDP data expected on Friday, markets are watching for further indicators of China's economic health.
Regional Currencies Mixed as Dollar Strengthens
Across the region, currency performance varied. The Japanese yen was flat amid a larger-than-expected trade deficit, while the Australian dollar gained 0.2% due to robust labor market data. South Korea’s win rose 0.4%, but the Indian rupee hovered near record lows.
