Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Asian stock markets mostly declined on Monday as investors turned cautious ahead of Nvidia’s highly anticipated earnings report later this week. Weak sentiment was further pressured by rising oil prices, growing Middle East tensions, and concerns over inflation after Wall Street closed lower on Friday.
Technology stocks led regional losses as traders waited for Nvidia’s results on Wednesday, which are expected to provide key signals about the future of the global artificial intelligence rally. Investor confidence in AI-related stocks has driven much of the market’s gains in recent months, making Nvidia earnings a major focus for global markets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1%, while the broader TOPIX index slipped 0.8%. Hong Kong stocks also struggled, with the Hang Seng Index falling 1.7% and the Hang Seng TECH Index tumbling 2.5% amid heavy selling in technology shares.
Chinese equities remained under pressure after disappointing economic data highlighted slowing growth. The CSI 300 Index lost 1%, while the Shanghai Composite declined 0.5%. China’s industrial output rose only 4.1% in April, missing market expectations, while retail sales increased just 0.2%, reflecting continued weakness in consumer demand and economic recovery.
Investor sentiment was also hurt by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Reports of a drone strike causing a fire at a UAE nuclear facility and Saudi Arabia intercepting drones over the weekend increased concerns about regional instability. U.S. President Donald Trump also issued strong warnings toward Iran, adding to market uncertainty.
Oil prices moved higher as shipping concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of supply disruptions. Higher crude prices also renewed inflation worries, pressuring global equities.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.6%, Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.6%, and India’s Nifty 50 futures pointed lower. South Korea’s KOSPI, however, outperformed regional markets, rising 0.2% as Samsung Electronics shares rebounded following positive developments in labor negotiations.
