Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Gold prices moved higher during Asian trading on Thursday after recording their strongest daily gain since March, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and easing concerns over inflation linked to Middle East tensions. Investors also reacted positively to reports suggesting progress toward a potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Spot gold increased 0.4% to $4,707.31 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for June delivery climbed 0.4% to $4,713.86. The precious metal had already surged nearly 3% in the previous session as oil prices dropped sharply following signs of improving geopolitical conditions.
Market sentiment improved after reports indicated that the White House was close to reaching a memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials confirmed they were reviewing the proposal, while U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Tehran appeared willing to finalize an agreement.
The possibility of reduced geopolitical tensions pushed crude oil prices significantly lower, easing fears of prolonged inflation pressures. Lower oil prices also contributed to declines in U.S. Treasury yields and weakened the dollar, both of which typically support gold prices because bullion becomes more attractive to investors seeking safe-haven assets.
The U.S. dollar index slipped another 0.1% during Asian trading after falling 0.4% overnight, remaining close to levels seen before the recent conflict escalation. Although oil stabilized slightly on Thursday, investors remain cautious as they await further developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Traders are now closely watching Friday’s U.S. non-farm payrolls report for additional signals regarding the Federal Reserve’s future interest-rate decisions. Recent comments from Federal Reserve officials highlighted concerns that Middle East instability could still impact inflation and global supply chains.
Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.7% to $77.85 per ounce, while platinum traded near $2,065.17 per ounce.
