Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
China’s export growth likely accelerated sharply in April as overseas companies increased orders to secure manufacturing supplies amid concerns that the ongoing Iran conflict could drive global production and shipping costs even higher. According to a Reuters poll of economists, China’s exports are expected to rise 7.9% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms, significantly higher than the 2.5% increase recorded in March. Official trade data is scheduled for release on Saturday.
The strong performance highlights how Chinese manufacturers continue to benefit from global demand despite geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy prices. Businesses worldwide have reportedly rushed to stockpile components and industrial goods from China to avoid potential disruptions linked to higher fuel and transportation costs caused by tensions in the Middle East.
Recent factory activity data also showed that new export orders in China climbed to their highest level in two years during April. At the same time, input costs for petroleum, chemicals, coal, and refined products remained elevated, reflecting growing inflationary pressure across global supply chains.
China’s economy maintained solid momentum during the first quarter of the year, with GDP growth reaching 5%, matching the upper end of Beijing’s annual target range. However, concerns remain over weak domestic consumption, rising unemployment, and slower retail sales growth compared to industrial production.
Imports are also forecast to remain strong, increasing 15.2% year-on-year in April, although lower than March’s 27.8% rise. Analysts point to South Korea’s exports to China, which surged 63% last month largely due to semiconductor demand, as a sign of robust Chinese industrial activity.
China’s trade surplus is expected to widen to $83.3 billion from March’s $51.13 billion. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit China next week for talks with President Xi Jinping, with trade, agriculture, and aircraft parts likely on the agenda despite continuing tensions over Taiwan.
