European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Asian Markets Gain as China’s Fiscal Stimulus Talks Begin
Most Asian stocks rose on Monday, driven by investor anticipation of further fiscal stimulus discussions from China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee meeting. However, market gains were tempered by risk aversion ahead of the U.S. elections and the Federal Reserve meeting this week.
Low Trading Volumes and Market Sentiment
Trading volumes were light due to a public holiday in Japan, with the Nikkei 225 futures slipping 0.2%. Asian markets were buoyed by Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payroll report, which came in softer than expected, fueling speculation that a cooling U.S. job market might prompt further Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Chinese Stocks Upbeat on Fiscal Stimulus Expectations
China’s Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes advanced 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7%. Investors are closely monitoring the NPC meeting, where the committee is anticipated to propose substantial fiscal spending, including potential debt issuance of up to $1.4 trillion. Such measures aim to address deflationary pressures and revitalize China’s struggling property sector.
Australia Stocks Rise, Eyes on Reserve Bank
Australia’s ASX 200 edged up 0.3%, as investors await Tuesday's Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting. While the RBA is expected to maintain current rates, it may hint at hawkish policies due to persistent inflation. According to ANZ analysts, the bank does not anticipate beginning rate cuts until 2025.
Mixed Performance Across Asia
South Korea’s KOSPI led gains, rising 1.4% on strong chip stocks. In India, Nifty 50 futures indicated a flat start, with market focus shifting to upcoming earnings reports.
