European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Mega IPOs Like SpaceX and OpenAI Could Reshape S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Portfolios in 2026 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Global oil prices climbed Friday as escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continued to disrupt energy markets, despite U.S. President Donald Trump insisting that the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains active. Brent crude futures rose 1.1% to $101.13 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased 0.6% to $95.40 per barrel as investors closely monitored developments in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route responsible for transporting nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, remains under severe pressure following months of military conflict and shipping disruptions. Iran has effectively restricted access to the waterway since late February, triggering one of the largest oil supply disruptions in recent history. The U.S. military has intensified operations in the region, including actions against Iranian-flagged oil tankers and reported retaliatory strikes near key Iranian ports.
Although military activity has increased, optimism surrounding a potential peace agreement has prevented oil prices from surging further. Iran is reportedly reviewing a new diplomatic proposal aimed at ending the conflict, while U.S. officials continue awaiting Tehran’s formal response. President Trump described the latest clashes as minor incidents and warned of stronger retaliation if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile, investors also reacted to stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data. The latest nonfarm payroll report showed the American economy added 115,000 jobs in April, beating analyst forecasts. The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.3%, easing some concerns over economic slowdown while keeping attention focused on inflation risks linked to rising energy prices.
Fitch Ratings also revised its oil price forecasts upward for 2026 and 2027, citing the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The agency now expects Brent crude to average $87 per barrel this year as uncertainty over global oil supply continues to impact energy markets worldwide.
