Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Oil prices climbed during Asian trading on Friday, driven by growing concerns over a prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict and ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Market sentiment remains tense after U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is in no hurry to reach a resolution with Iran, fueling uncertainty in global crude supply.
Brent crude futures rose 1.1% to $106.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased 1% to $96.83 per barrel. Both benchmarks are on track for significant weekly gains, rising between 15% and 18%, as geopolitical risks continue to impact the oil market outlook.
Crude prices saw a sharp increase earlier this week following reports of airstrikes targeting areas in and around Iran. Additional pressure came after news that Iran’s lead negotiator in Pakistan-mediated talks with Washington had stepped down, signaling further complications in diplomatic efforts. President Trump reiterated that while he is open to negotiations, he does not intend to rush into an agreement, though he dismissed the possibility of using nuclear weapons.
Tensions have intensified as both the U.S. and Iran remain at a stalemate over key conditions. Iran has demanded the removal of a U.S. naval blockade, while Washington insists on the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route previously accounted for nearly 20% of global oil supply, making its disruption a major concern for energy markets.
Recent incidents in the region, including Iran’s reported seizure of vessels and U.S. counteractions, have heightened fears of further supply chain disruptions. Despite a temporary ceasefire extension involving Israel and Lebanon, markets remain focused on the broader conflict and its implications for oil production and transportation.
With no clear path toward de-escalation, crude oil prices are likely to remain volatile, as investors closely monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global energy supply.
