Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
France Faces Long Road to Economic Rebalancing as Weak Demand and High Rates Weigh, Says Citi 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Gold Price Rises as Investors Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks and Fed Policy Outlook 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
US Stock Futures Recover as Iran Signals Progress in Peace Talks 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Russian Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low 
100+ Global Companies Push Governments to Prioritize Electrification for Economic Growth 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Oil prices climbed in early Wednesday trading, extending gains from the previous session as geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel stoked fears of supply disruptions. Brent crude rose 19 cents (0.25%) to $76.64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) added 23 cents (0.31%) to reach $75.07 per barrel.
The escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, now in its sixth day, has raised alarm over potential threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint responsible for about 20% of global seaborne crude. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while the Pentagon is dispatching more fighter jets to the region, signaling further military buildup.
Adding to concerns, two oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of electronic interference affecting ship navigation in the area. Iran, the third-largest OPEC producer, pumps approximately 3.3 million barrels per day. However, analysts note that other OPEC members have spare capacity to compensate for potential shortfalls.
Markets are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s ongoing policy discussions. While the central bank is expected to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.50%, analysts suggest that rising oil prices and geopolitical risks could prompt a rate cut as early as July—sooner than the market's current forecast of September. Lower rates typically stimulate economic growth and boost oil demand.
Yet, the Fed faces a dilemma, as surging crude prices could fuel inflation. According to the American Petroleum Institute, U.S. crude and gasoline inventories fell last week, while distillate stocks rose, adding another layer of complexity to the outlook for energy markets and monetary policy.
