European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
Gold prices declined in Asian trading on Friday, with spot gold dropping 0.8% to $3,214.90 per ounce and June futures down 0.3% to $3,217.65. The precious metal is on track for its steepest weekly loss since November 2024, falling about 3.2% as easing tensions between the U.S. and China reduced demand for safe-haven assets.
The recent agreement between Washington and Beijing to temporarily lower trade tariffs boosted global risk appetite, prompting a rally in equities and risk-driven assets. This shift in sentiment led traders to lock in profits from gold’s recent record highs. Additionally, strength in the U.S. dollar and rising Treasury yields applied further downward pressure on gold prices.
Despite the decline, gold remains above the key $3,000/oz level. Market participants are cautiously awaiting a more definitive trade resolution between the U.S. and China, while soft U.S. economic data continues to cloud the growth outlook.
Other precious metals also faced losses. Platinum futures fell 0.5% to $989.90/oz, and silver futures slipped 0.3% to $32.593/oz, both set for weekly declines alongside gold.
In the industrial metals segment, copper prices edged lower on Friday. London Metal Exchange copper dipped 0.2% to $9,567.30 per ton, and U.S. copper futures also lost 0.2% to $4.6695 per pound. Despite the dip, copper held onto weekly gains driven by optimism over China’s economic prospects.
Traders now look ahead to key Chinese economic indicators, including industrial production and retail sales data due Monday, followed by the People’s Bank of China’s loan prime rate decision on Tuesday, which could signal further stimulus measures.
