Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Thursday, retreating slightly after a sharp 4% rally in the previous session. Investors are closely monitoring rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, while also weighing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing conflict in the strategically important oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures slipped 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $70.23 per barrel by 0110 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $65.11 per barrel. Despite the minor pullback, both oil benchmarks closed more than 4% higher on Wednesday, marking their strongest settlement levels since January 30. The surge reflected growing concerns over potential oil supply disruptions linked to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
Market analysts note that while geopolitical risks remain elevated, traders are adopting a cautious stance. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities Investment, said that although tensions between Washington and Tehran persist, investors generally believe a full-scale military conflict is unlikely. He added that any potential U.S. military response would likely involve limited, short-term air strikes rather than a prolonged confrontation. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump is widely seen as reluctant to allow a significant spike in crude oil prices.
Diplomatic discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva reportedly made limited progress this week. The White House indicated that negotiations are ongoing, with Iran expected to present further details in the coming weeks. However, Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) announcing planned rocket launches in southern regions, while the U.S. has deployed warships near Iranian waters. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington is evaluating whether to continue diplomatic engagement or pursue alternative measures.
Meanwhile, global energy markets are also tracking the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as peace talks concluded without significant progress. On the supply side, American Petroleum Institute data showed declines in U.S. crude, gasoline, and distillate inventories last week, contrary to expectations for a crude stock build. Traders now await official U.S. Energy Information Administration data for further direction in the volatile oil market.
