Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Wednesday as investors monitored ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, despite recent military exchanges that briefly heightened fears of wider conflict in the Middle East. The decline followed a strong rally in the previous session after U.S. forces launched strikes on targets in southern Iran, triggering concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for July delivery dropped 0.5% to $89.95 per barrel, while Brent crude also moved lower as traders reacted cautiously to developments surrounding the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
Market sentiment improved slightly after reports suggested that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains active, even after both sides exchanged fire earlier this week. Sources indicated that indirect negotiations are continuing, with discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities.
Iranian media claimed that Tehran fired at a U.S. drone and fighter jet following American strikes targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran. In response, Iranian officials warned of retaliation if Washington violated the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, the U.S. military described its operations as “defensive” and reaffirmed that diplomatic channels with Iran remain open.
Recent comments from U.S. policymakers have fueled expectations that a framework agreement between the two nations could be finalized soon. The proposed deal may extend the ceasefire, secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and initiate negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
However, uncertainty remains high as Tehran continues to resist U.S. demands related to its enriched uranium stockpiles. Investors are closely watching geopolitical developments, as any escalation in the Iran war could significantly impact crude oil prices and global energy markets throughout 2026.
