Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Oil prices rose modestly on Wednesday as markets stabilized following sharp losses over the past two sessions. Brent crude gained 75 cents, or 1.1%, to $67.89 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 71 cents to $65.08.
The rebound comes after both benchmarks hit multi-week lows—Brent's lowest since June 10 and WTI's since June 5—triggered by easing geopolitical fears after a U.S.-led strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The attack, which occurred over the weekend, initially drove oil prices to five-month highs due to fears of escalation and potential disruption in the Middle East.
A preliminary U.S. intelligence report indicates that the strikes did not dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities but delayed progress by only a few months. Tensions eased as Iran and Israel appeared to comply with a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized both nations for prior violations. Civilian restrictions were lifted after 12 days of conflict, with each side claiming strategic success.
Despite the ceasefire, investors remain cautious, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint where around 18–19 million barrels per day of oil transit, accounting for nearly 20% of global consumption.
Market participants are also awaiting official U.S. inventory data. Preliminary figures from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed U.S. crude stockpiles fell by 4.23 million barrels for the week ending June 20, suggesting tightening supply. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) will release official figures later Wednesday.
The oil market remains sensitive to geopolitical developments and inventory signals, with traders closely watching the situation in the Middle East and U.S. supply trends.
