Dollar Weakens as Iran Peace Hopes Lift EUR/USD and Risk Sentiment 
Gold Prices Slip as Fresh U.S. Strikes on Iran Boost Dollar and Oil Markets 
Japan Plans $19 Billion Extra Budget as Bond Market Faces Pressure 
US-Iran Framework Deal Raises Hopes for Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
US Stock Futures Rise as Iran Talks Ease Oil Fears Ahead of Key Inflation Data 
KOSPI Hits Record High as Samsung and SK Hynix Lead AI Chip Rally 
European Airline Stocks Rise as Oil Prices Drop on U.S.-Iran Strait of Hormuz Deal Hopes 
U.S.-Iran Talks May Take Days as Oil Prices React to Strait of Hormuz Tensions 
AI-Driven Memory Chip Prices May Be Skewing U.S. Inflation Data, Fed Minutes Suggest 
BOK Seen Holding Interest Rates Steady as Inflation Risks Rise in South Korea 
Sri Lanka Central Bank Surprises Markets With 100 Basis Point Rate Hike Amid Inflation and Currency Pressure 
Dollar Weakens as Iran Deal Hopes Boost Global Currencies and Risk Appetite 
European Stocks Rise as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Hopes Lift Market Sentiment 
U.S.-Iran Talks Advance as Trump Signals Tough Stance on Hormuz and Nuclear Deal 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Talks Raise Hopes for Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Huawei Chip Breakthrough Sparks Rally in Hong Kong AI and Semiconductor Stocks 
Oil prices climbed sharply on Monday as stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations continued to disrupt Middle East energy exports, fueling concerns across global markets. Brent crude futures rose nearly 2%, reaching a three-week high of $107.97 per barrel during Asian trading. This spike has intensified inflation fears and led investors to scale back expectations for interest rate cuts in major economies this year.
The ongoing geopolitical tension, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, remains a key driver of volatility. With limited oil and gas shipments passing through the critical route, supply constraints are pushing energy prices higher. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices have also surged, with June delivery into Northeast Asia averaging $16.70 per million British thermal units—up roughly 61% from pre-conflict levels. Analysts at Goldman Sachs have raised their year-end Brent crude forecast to $90 per barrel, warning that further supply shortages could trigger even steeper price increases.
Despite energy market concerns, global stock markets showed resilience, supported by renewed enthusiasm around artificial intelligence (AI) investments. S&P 500 futures edged up by 0.2%, while markets in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea followed Wall Street’s lead in reaching record highs. Strong demand for semiconductor stocks, fueled by optimistic AI spending outlooks, has boosted valuations across major tech-driven markets.
Currency markets remained relatively stable, with the euro trading at $1.1724 and the Japanese yen at 159.32 per dollar. Meanwhile, bond markets held steady as investors await key central bank decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan. Most policymakers are expected to maintain current interest rates, though future guidance could shift expectations for potential rate hikes.
Investor attention is also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Apple. These results, particularly capital expenditure on AI infrastructure, are expected to shape market sentiment in the coming weeks as the global economy balances geopolitical risks with rapid technological growth.
