Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
The S&P 500 ended slightly lower Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.50% and signaled a slower pace of rate cuts ahead. The Dow fell 44 points (-0.1%), the S&P 500 slipped 0.04%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%.
The Fed maintained its projection of two rate cuts in 2025 but revised its outlook for 2026 and 2027. Rates are now expected to fall to 3.6% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, up from prior estimates. This hawkish shift reflects ongoing concerns over persistent inflation and economic uncertainty, further complicated by tariffs and policy ambiguity under President Donald Trump.
Economic data showed mixed signals. U.S. housing starts edged up 0.4% in May, but building permits declined, reflecting weakness in the housing market. Jobless claims fell to 245,000 last week, but signs point to a softening labor market.
Geopolitical tensions rose after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump’s call for surrender, warning of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. intervenes militarily. Trump hinted at possible strikes but said Iran is open to talks.
Banking stocks moved amid reports that U.S. regulators may lower the enhanced supplementary leverage ratio (ESLR) for major banks like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley from 5% to a 3.5%-4.5% range, easing capital requirements.
In corporate news, Peloton gained nearly 2% following successful cost cuts and financing efforts. Hasbro rose after announcing a 3% workforce reduction in response to higher tariffs. Circle Internet Group surged 20% after the Senate passed the GENIUS Act, laying the groundwork for stablecoin regulation—a move seen as pivotal for crypto adoption.
This combination of monetary policy shifts, geopolitical risks, and crypto legislation is keeping markets on edge.
