Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
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UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Asian stock markets opened the week on a positive note, with major indices in Japan and South Korea reaching record highs, supported by strong momentum from U.S. equities. However, gains across the region were tempered by rising oil prices and ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Investor sentiment was boosted after Wall Street posted fresh records, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 closing at all-time highs. This strong U.S. performance fueled demand for technology and AI-related stocks in Asia, particularly semiconductor companies. U.S. stock futures remained largely unchanged during Monday’s Asian trading session, reflecting cautious optimism ahead of key economic events.
South Korea’s KOSPI index surged 2.3% to hit a new record, driven by robust gains in major chipmakers. SK Hynix shares jumped more than 6%, reaching an all-time high, while Samsung Electronics advanced 2.5%. The KOSPI has climbed nearly 5% in the past week, supported by strong semiconductor earnings and continued growth in artificial intelligence technologies.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 also reached a historic peak, rising up to 1.6%, while the broader TOPIX index gained 0.7%. Market participants are closely watching the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, where the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at 0.75%. Investors are particularly focused on forward guidance, with speculation growing around a potential rate hike in the coming months due to persistent inflation pressures.
Despite the bullish equity performance, concerns over global oil supply weighed on broader market sentiment. Brent crude prices remained elevated above $107 per barrel as U.S.-Iran talks stalled and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz raised supply risks. Geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics, adding uncertainty to the outlook.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets showed mixed performance. China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index remained flat, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index declined 0.5% and Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.2%. India’s Nifty 50 futures posted modest gains, reflecting cautious optimism.
Overall, Asian markets remain supported by strong global cues and tech sector growth, but rising oil prices and geopolitical risks continue to cap broader gains.
