S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
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 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Gold prices slipped on Wednesday as investors weighed ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East alongside expectations surrounding the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision. Spot gold declined by 0.5% to $4,572.96 per ounce, while gold futures also dropped 0.5% to $4,585.80, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
Other precious metals followed a similar trend, with silver edging down 0.2% to $73.0465 per ounce and platinum falling 0.7% to $1,929.63 per ounce. Despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty, gold has struggled to maintain upward momentum as macroeconomic pressures continue to dominate investor behavior.
Reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing for a prolonged naval blockade against Iran, aiming to restrict the country’s oil exports and increase economic pressure. This development raises concerns about potential retaliation from Iran, including the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil supply route. Such disruptions have already driven Brent crude prices above $110 per barrel, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels near $70.
Rising oil prices have fueled inflation concerns, prompting expectations that central banks may maintain higher interest rates for longer. This outlook has weighed heavily on gold, as higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like bullion. Instead, investors have shifted toward the U.S. dollar, which has strengthened against major currencies and made gold more expensive for international buyers.
Market participants are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, with expectations that rates will remain unchanged. However, analysts anticipate a more hawkish tone, potentially signaling fewer rate cuts in 2026. Similar policy announcements from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are also in focus this week.
For gold prices to recover, analysts suggest that either oil prices need to stabilize or geopolitical tensions must ease, allowing central banks to adopt a more dovish stance. Until then, gold may continue to face downward pressure despite its traditional role as a safe-haven asset.
