Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Oil prices eased slightly during Asian trading on Wednesday after posting strong gains for three consecutive sessions. Investors continued to monitor the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz while also assessing the latest U.S. crude inventory data and inflation figures.
Brent crude futures for July delivery declined 0.4% to $107.36 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures slipped 0.3% to $101.91 per barrel. Despite the minor pullback, both benchmark contracts surged more than 3% in the previous trading session amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Market sentiment remains heavily influenced by uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that the possibility of a ceasefire with Iran was on “life support,” rejecting Tehran’s latest response to U.S.-supported peace proposals. These comments intensified concerns that the conflict could continue for an extended period, further threatening global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route responsible for transporting nearly 20% of global oil consumption, remains severely restricted after Iran tightened maritime controls earlier this year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the route may stay effectively closed through late May, potentially causing a deeper decline in global oil inventories.
The EIA now forecasts global stockpiles could shrink by 2.6 million barrels per day in 2026, while Brent crude prices may average around $106 per barrel during May and June. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser also warned that oil market disruptions linked to Hormuz could continue affecting supply stability until 2027.
Meanwhile, data from the American Petroleum Institute showed U.S. crude inventories fell by 2.188 million barrels last week, marking the fourth consecutive weekly decline and supporting higher oil prices.
Investors are also closely watching upcoming talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where discussions are expected to include energy security, trade tariffs, and the ongoing Iran crisis.
