Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Russian stocks ended Monday’s trading session higher, with the MOEX Russia Index posting moderate gains as strong performances in the mining, oil and gas, and power sectors supported overall market sentiment. By the close of trading in Moscow, the benchmark MOEX Russia Index advanced 0.60%, reflecting improved investor appetite for commodity-linked and energy stocks.
Leading the rally were major mining companies. AK ALROSA PJSC climbed 2.08% to close at 42.29, benefiting from renewed interest in raw material producers. Polyus PJSC followed closely, gaining 1.91% to finish at 2,610.00, while MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC added 1.51% to end the session at 158.70. Notably, Norilsk Nickel shares reached a new 52-week high, underscoring strong momentum in the metals sector.
On the downside, real estate and technology stocks faced selling pressure. PIK SHb PJSC fell 1.89% to 462.50, making it one of the weakest performers of the day. VK Company Ltd declined 1.58% to 292.60, while Rostelekom PJSC dropped 1.42% to close at 63.20. Despite these losses, advancing stocks significantly outnumbered declining ones on the Moscow Stock Exchange, with 161 gainers versus 80 losers, indicating broadly positive market breadth.
Market volatility continued to ease, as the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) slipped 0.79% to 22.61, marking a fresh 52-week low. In commodities, gold futures surged 1.77% to $4,676.70 per troy ounce, supporting mining stocks. Oil prices were mixed, with March crude oil rising 0.15% to $59.43 per barrel and Brent crude edging up to $64.15.
In currency markets, the Russian ruble strengthened against major currencies, with USD/RUB falling 0.63% to 77.51 and EUR/RUB down 0.24% to 90.23. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index futures declined 0.36%, adding support to emerging market assets, including Russian equities.
