Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Gold Price Hits Annual Low as Fed Rate Hike Bets and Sticky Inflation Weigh on Bullion 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
Asian Stocks End Strong Quarter as Dollar Surges, Yen Hits 40-Year Low Ahead of US Jobs Data 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
Asian stock markets traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as investors remained cautious over the ongoing Iran conflict and its potential impact on global inflation. Market sentiment also stayed focused on the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which could influence trade relations and technology cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
South Korea’s KOSPI emerged as the strongest performer in the region, climbing 1.4% after recovering from the previous session’s losses. The rebound was largely driven by renewed buying in semiconductor stocks, particularly after reports revealed that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang would join Trump’s delegation during the China visit. The news fueled optimism that restrictions on chip sales to China could ease, potentially boosting demand across the semiconductor sector.
SK Hynix surged 4%, while Samsung Electronics recovered from earlier weakness despite ongoing labor concerns related to wage negotiations at a major semiconductor facility. Investor confidence also improved after South Korean officials clarified that proposed artificial intelligence profit-sharing plans would not involve new corporate windfall taxes.
Chinese markets remained mostly flat ahead of the highly anticipated Trump-Xi meeting. The CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes posted minor gains, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged slightly higher. Investors are closely watching discussions expected to cover trade tariffs, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and broader economic cooperation.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes advanced as technology stocks strengthened and fresh economic data showed the country’s current account surplus reached a record high in March. Analysts attributed the improvement to strong AI-related demand and continued yen weakness.
Meanwhile, Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.4% after Commonwealth Bank of Australia plunged 10% due to increased risk provisions tied to Middle East tensions. Losses in the banking sector weighed heavily on the broader Australian market.
