German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Asian markets traded mixed as investors digested falling oil prices, rising commodity stocks, and heightened geopolitical tensions tied to Venezuela, China, and broader global uncertainty. Crude oil futures extended losses after U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela would hand over as much as 50 million barrels of oil to be sold at market prices following the capture of the country’s leader. The news weighed heavily on energy markets, pushing U.S. crude down 1.1% to $56.48 per barrel and Brent crude 0.8% lower at $60.22 per barrel.
Despite weaker oil prices, resource and commodity-related shares found support across the region, helped by a sharp overnight rally in industrial metals. Copper surged to a record high in the previous session, while nickel jumped more than 10% on supply concerns, boosting mining stocks, particularly in Australia. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3%, benefiting from its heavy exposure to commodity producers.
Broader equity markets were more cautious. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan slipped 0.2%, while Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.25%. Japanese stocks were pressured after China announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, escalating tensions following comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
Currency markets reflected a cautious tone. The U.S. dollar held near recent highs, with the dollar index steady at 98.60, supported by global geopolitical risks and anticipation of key U.S. economic data. The euro traded at $1.169, while the yen weakened slightly to 156.73 per dollar. Investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. data, including the monthly jobs report, JOLTS survey, and ADP payrolls, for clues on the timing of potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with markets currently pricing in two cuts this year.
Elsewhere, spot gold slipped 0.6% to $4,469.04 an ounce, while cryptocurrencies also declined, with bitcoin down 0.8% and ether easing 0.5%. European equity futures pointed to a mixed open, and U.S. stock futures were flat after Wall Street closed at record highs, brushing aside global tensions for now.
