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 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Asian stock markets advanced on Thursday, buoyed by a renewed rally in U.S. technology shares, while geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran supported oil prices and sustained safe-haven demand for gold. Investors also reacted to the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which signaled policymakers are not in a hurry to cut interest rates.
Trading activity in Asia was lighter than usual due to Lunar New Year holidays in Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. However, MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index outside Japan climbed 0.5%, and Japan’s Nikkei gained 0.85%, led by strong performances in technology stocks. South Korea’s Kospi surged nearly 3% to a record high, reflecting growing investor confidence in the tech sector.
The positive momentum followed gains on Wall Street, where Nvidia shares jumped after announcing a multiyear agreement to supply Meta Platforms with millions of artificial intelligence chips. The deal boosted sentiment across global tech stocks, with Nasdaq futures rising 0.05% and S&P 500 futures edging 0.03% higher. Analysts noted that Nvidia’s leadership in AI technology could provide fresh support for the sector ahead of its upcoming earnings report.
In commodities, oil prices remained elevated after sharp gains in the previous session. Brent crude hovered around $70.31 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude held near $65.10. Markets are closely monitoring escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, which could disrupt global oil supply. Meanwhile, gold steadied at $4,963.99 per ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainty.
The U.S. dollar strengthened following robust economic data and Federal Reserve minutes indicating that rate cuts are unlikely in the near term. Policymakers even signaled openness to further rate hikes if inflation persists. Sterling slipped to $1.3488, the yen remained near 155 per dollar, and the euro traded below $1.18, pressured by reports that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde may leave her post early.
