Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
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 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
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 
Oil prices climbed sharply on Monday while global stock futures dipped, as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint. Brent crude surged approximately 6% to $95.36 per barrel, reflecting investor concerns over potential supply constraints and rising inflation risks tied to oil shortages.
Despite the spike in oil prices, Asian stock markets showed resilience. Major indices such as Japan’s Nikkei, South Korea’s KOSPI, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng all posted gains, with Taiwan’s stock market reaching a record high. This divergence highlights a cautious optimism among investors who are betting on a potential diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States.
The situation intensified after Iran reinforced its de facto restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, although shipping data indicated that over 20 vessels successfully passed through the passage over the weekend—the highest traffic since early March. The uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire, which is set to expire soon, has added to market volatility, especially after the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship and Tehran threatened retaliation.
Market analysts suggest that while headlines signal escalation, there remains a strong possibility of renewed negotiations. Investors appear to be weighing geopolitical risks against expectations of continued economic strength, particularly with upcoming corporate earnings reports in the United States.
Meanwhile, financial markets reflected mixed sentiment. S&P 500 futures fell by 0.6%, while European futures dropped 1.2%. Bond yields edged higher, and the U.S. dollar stabilized after recent weakness. In Australia, National Australia Bank warned of rising credit risks due to the conflict, announcing a potential $500 million impairment, which pushed its shares lower.
With key economic indicators such as U.S. retail sales, UK inflation, and European PMI data due this week, market participants are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf. The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has become a critical indicator of geopolitical stability and its impact on global oil supply and inflation trends.
