Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
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Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday as escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran fueled concerns about further supply disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude oil prices surged by as much as 7%, reflecting heightened market anxiety over potential military action and ongoing instability in a key oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures for June rose $6.81, or 5.8%, reaching $124.84 per barrel, extending gains from the previous session. The more actively traded July contract also increased by 3% to $113.78 per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed $2.76, or 2.6%, to $109.64 per barrel, continuing a strong upward trend seen in recent sessions. Both oil benchmarks are on track for a fourth consecutive month of gains, with Brent prices more than doubling since the start of the year and WTI rising over 90%.
The surge in oil prices comes amid reports that the U.S. is considering military strikes against Iran to break a diplomatic stalemate over its nuclear program. The situation has intensified since airstrikes began earlier this year, followed by Iran’s retaliation through the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Although a ceasefire has temporarily halted direct conflict, the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues to disrupt supply chains.
Market analysts warn that the ongoing conflict could prolong supply shortages. With negotiations stalled, the likelihood of reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. Experts also note that geopolitical risks are currently outweighing longer-term factors such as OPEC+ influence, especially after the United Arab Emirates announced its exit from the group.
Despite expectations that OPEC+ may increase oil production slightly, analysts believe it will not be sufficient to offset current supply deficits. As prices continue to rise, demand destruction—where consumers reduce usage due to high costs—is emerging as a possible balancing factor, though it may not fully resolve the supply gap.
Overall, the oil market remains highly volatile, driven by geopolitical developments, supply constraints, and shifting global demand patterns.
