Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian stock markets opened the week on a cautiously positive note, supported by gains in technology shares despite rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Investors remained wary as developments over the weekend heightened uncertainty, even as equities in the region managed modest advances.
Market sentiment was influenced by reports that U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, alleging it attempted to breach a naval blockade. The situation escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible strikes on Iranian infrastructure if diplomatic negotiations fail. Despite these developments, traders appeared relatively unfazed, reflecting a pattern seen in past market reactions to abrupt policy shifts from Washington.
Technology stocks played a key role in supporting Asian equities, tracking strong momentum from Wall Street. Major U.S. indices, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, closed at record highs last week, boosting confidence in tech-driven growth. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by 1%, while the broader TOPIX index gained 0.7%. South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 1.1%, led by chipmaker SK Hynix, which surged over 3% after announcing plans to produce advanced server modules for Nvidia’s next-generation chips.
In China, the People’s Bank of China maintained its loan prime rates unchanged for the 11th consecutive month, keeping the one-year rate at 3.00% and the five-year rate at 3.50%. This decision reflects a cautious monetary policy stance amid signs of a steady economic recovery. Chinese equities responded positively, with the Shanghai Composite rising 0.8% and the CSI 300 gaining 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed करीब 1%.
However, rising oil prices limited broader market gains, particularly in oil-import-dependent economies. Tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, triggered concerns over inflation and energy costs. India’s Nifty 50 futures declined 1%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged slightly higher and Australia’s ASX 200 remained largely flat.
Overall, Asian markets showed resilience, but ongoing geopolitical risks and energy price volatility continue to weigh on investor outlook.
