ASX Names Former Euronext Executive Anthony Attia as New CEO 
New Zealand Budget 2026 Focuses on Fiscal Discipline and Infrastructure Investment 
Trump Pushes China Market Access During High-Stakes Xi Summit 
Asian Currencies Slide as Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Iran Tensions 
Australia Housing Tax Reform Sparks Debate Over Property Investor Tax Breaks 
Oil Prices Hold Above $100 as Trump-Xi Meeting and Iran Conflict Keep Markets on Edge 
S&P Global Revises Mexico Credit Outlook to Negative Amid Rising Debt Concerns 
Trump, Xi Begin High-Stakes China Summit Focused on Trade, Taiwan and Global Tensions 
Wall Street Futures Rise Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit as Tech Stocks Lead Market Rally 
Trump Faces Uphill Battle Seeking China’s Help on Iran Conflict 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Strong U.S. Inflation Data Boosts Dollar 
US, Japan Reaffirm Strong Currency Coordination Amid Yen Volatility 
US Stock Futures Slip as Iran Tensions and Hot Inflation Data Pressure Wall Street 
Trump and Xi Temple of Heaven Visit Highlights Trade and Diplomacy Goals 
Oil Prices Slip as Strait of Hormuz Disruptions and U.S. Inventory Data Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Surges as Inflation Data Fuels Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
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.
