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Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
Trump, Syrian President Sharaa Discuss Sanctions Relief and Economic Recovery in Phone Call 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
Gold Prices Hold Steady as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Offset Middle East Tensions 
China Manufacturing PMI Beats Forecasts as Export and Domestic Demand Stay Strong 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Mega IPOs Like SpaceX and OpenAI Could Reshape S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Portfolios in 2026 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
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New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Oil Prices Rebound Above $92 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Fuels Middle East Supply Concerns 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Asian stock markets mostly advanced on Monday as strong investor confidence in artificial intelligence (AI) fueled gains in technology shares, helping markets look beyond ongoing uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement.
South Korea emerged as the region’s top performer, with the KOSPI index reaching a new record high. The rally was driven by major semiconductor and electronics companies that are expected to benefit from growing global demand for AI-related technologies. Investors remained focused on opportunities in the AI sector, which continues to support strong momentum across global equity markets.
Technology giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix posted significant gains, while LG Electronics recorded an even stronger surge. Market sentiment improved after reports indicated that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to meet leading South Korean technology executives during his upcoming visit to the country. Nvidia is also expected to participate in events linked to the COMPUTEX technology exhibition in Taipei, further strengthening optimism surrounding future AI partnerships.
Nvidia maintains close business relationships with South Korean chipmakers, particularly SK Hynix and Samsung. Expectations of expanded collaboration and increased demand for advanced memory chips and AI infrastructure have contributed to the strong performance of these companies.
Japanese stocks also moved higher, with the Nikkei 225 gaining ground thanks to strength in technology shares. SoftBank Group was among the biggest winners, climbing sharply to a record high and surpassing Toyota Motor as Japan’s most valuable company. Investors continue to view SoftBank favorably due to its exposure to artificial intelligence and its connections to OpenAI. Other Japanese technology firms, including Murata Manufacturing and Kioxia Holdings, also posted notable gains.
Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced as technology stocks attracted buyers. However, mainland Chinese markets declined after recent manufacturing data suggested slower economic growth in May, raising concerns about the outlook for the world’s second-largest economy.
Australia’s ASX 200 edged lower, Singapore’s Straits Times Index traded largely unchanged, and India’s Nifty 50 futures slipped slightly. Overall, growing enthusiasm for AI investments and technology stocks continued to provide strong support for Asian markets despite geopolitical uncertainties and mixed economic signals.
