Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
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 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
U.S. stock markets closed slightly higher on Wednesday as investors balanced strong gains in consumer sectors against weakness in energy and financial stocks. The S&P 500 ended nearly flat at 7,520.45, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.1% to close at 26,674.74. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.4% to 50,644.41. All three indexes achieved new record highs despite cautious trading sentiment.
Market analysts noted that investors are taking profits after a powerful rally driven mainly by technology stocks and artificial intelligence demand. The S&P 500 has surged roughly 18% since late March, while technology shares have jumped nearly 38%. Experts believe the market trend remains positive, although volatility could increase in the coming weeks as earnings season winds down.
Technology stocks, especially semiconductor companies, remained a key focus. Micron Technology continued attracting attention as demand for AI-related memory chips boosted investor confidence. The company recently surpassed a $1 trillion market value, joining major Asian chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Analysts expect Micron’s revenue and profits to continue growing through 2026 and 2027 due to increasing AI infrastructure investments.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions also influenced trading activity. Reports about a possible memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran briefly raised hopes for reduced conflict in the Middle East. However, the White House rejected claims made by Iranian state media regarding a proposed agreement. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing, though no official deal has been finalized.
Oil prices declined as traders anticipated improved shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Brent crude futures dropped to around $95 per barrel after recent spikes above $100.
Among individual stocks, PDD Holdings fell more than 10% after disappointing quarterly revenue results, while Abercrombie & Fitch jumped 9% following stronger-than-expected earnings.
