Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
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 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Asian stock markets declined on Thursday as investors reacted to a sharp rise in oil prices, mixed corporate earnings, and a cautious outlook from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The combination of geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility, and uncertainty over monetary policy weighed heavily on investor sentiment across the region.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.4%, while the broader TOPIX index fell 1.5%, reflecting concerns over rising energy costs and weaker manufacturing data. In China, the Shanghai Composite remained relatively stable, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined by 1.5%. Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI slipped 0.2% after earlier hitting a record high, supported by strong earnings from Samsung Electronics.
Oil prices played a major role in market movements, with Brent crude climbing above $120 per barrel amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports of a potential prolonged blockade and geopolitical tensions added to uncertainty, increasing fears of sustained inflationary pressure globally.
Investor caution was further reinforced by the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that inflation risks remain elevated, particularly due to rising energy prices, signaling a continued cautious stance on monetary policy.
Technology stocks across Asia showed mixed performance, mirroring uneven reactions to earnings from major U.S. tech companies. While demand for artificial intelligence technologies remains strong, as highlighted by robust results from companies like Samsung, broader market sentiment remained fragile.
Economic indicators also painted a mixed picture. Japan’s factory output unexpectedly declined, pointing to ongoing industrial weakness, while retail sales showed resilience. In China, manufacturing activity expanded for a second consecutive month, supported by stronger export demand.
Elsewhere, India’s Nifty 50 fell 1.1%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.5%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged down 0.3%, reflecting broader regional caution. Overall, global investors remain focused on oil price trends, inflation risks, and central bank policies as key drivers of market direction.
