Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Gold Price Rises as Investors Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks and Fed Policy Outlook 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Supply Concerns 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Russian Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low 
France Faces Long Road to Economic Rebalancing as Weak Demand and High Rates Weigh, Says Citi 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
China Keeps Loan Prime Rates Unchanged for 13th Straight Month as Policymakers Prioritize Credit Demand Recovery 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Japan’s export growth slowed in April, highlighting rising pressure from U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Total exports grew 2% year-on-year, down from 4% in March, according to the Ministry of Finance. The decline was largely driven by a 1.8% drop in shipments to the United States, Japan’s top export destination, marking the first decline in four months.
Automobile exports to the U.S. fell 4.8% in value amid rising yen effects and reduced demand for high-end models. Analysts suggest Japanese automakers rushed shipments before the tariffs took effect, with a reversal now underway. The tariffs—currently at 10%, with auto tariffs set to rise to 24% in July—pose a serious threat to Japan’s fragile recovery.
Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s chief trade negotiator, is scheduled to meet U.S. officials this week in Washington for a third round of trade talks. However, hopes for major concessions, especially on auto tariffs, remain low.
While exports to Asia rose 6%, shipments to China slipped 0.6% due to weak demand for cars and electronics. Imports fell 2.2%, less than expected, resulting in a trade deficit of 115.8 billion yen ($802.77 million).
Despite the export drop, Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. widened by 14.3% to 780.6 billion yen, potentially drawing more scrutiny from Washington. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is expected to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a G7 summit to discuss trade and currency issues.
Economists warn the uncertain tariff landscape could stall investment and deepen Japan’s slowdown. The Bank of Japan, already facing downgraded growth forecasts, is expected to delay interest rate hikes amid growing global trade risks.
