Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
European stock markets opened sharply higher on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump paused a military-backed effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, boosting investor confidence and raising hopes for a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement in 2026.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index climbed 1.2% in early trading, while Germany’s DAX, France’s CAC 40, and the UK’s FTSE 100 all posted gains of more than 1%. Investors reacted positively after Trump announced that “Project Freedom,” a U.S. initiative aimed at securing safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, would be temporarily suspended.
The decision follows weeks of escalating tensions in the Gulf region, including attacks on strategic locations in the United Arab Emirates. Trump stated that the pause came partly at Pakistan’s request, as Islamabad continues to mediate between Washington and Tehran. He also hinted that significant progress had been made toward a diplomatic agreement with Iran.
Market sentiment improved further after reports emerged of talks between Iranian and Chinese officials. China, one of Iran’s largest oil buyers, is reportedly encouraging Tehran to avoid further conflict ahead of a planned meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump next week.
Oil prices declined after the announcement, with Brent crude futures dropping 1.5% to $108.22 per barrel. Despite the pullback, oil remains elevated compared to levels seen before the Middle East conflict intensified. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route responsible for transporting roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply, remains largely blocked by both U.S. and Iranian forces.
Among individual stocks, Novo Nordisk surged after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings driven by demand for its Wegovy weight-loss drug. Diageo shares also gained as investors anticipated increased beverage sales ahead of the upcoming soccer World Cup. BMW shares rose following quarterly earnings, while Norway’s Equinor slipped after releasing its latest financial results.
