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UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Closes Unchanged Amid Mixed Global Signals 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
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U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
China Home Prices Rise in January as Government Signals Stronger Support for Property Market 
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
China Manufacturing PMI Slips Into Contraction in January as Weak Demand Pressures Economy 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
U.S. stocks fell sharply Friday as Middle East tensions intensified after Iran launched missile strikes on Israel, prompting fears of a broader conflict, surging oil prices, and potential economic slowdown. The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, the Dow Jones lost 769 points (1.8%), and the Nasdaq declined 1.3%.
Iran’s retaliatory strike came in response to Israel’s attack on Tehran’s nuclear and military sites—the largest assault on Iran since the 1980s. Israel has vowed further strikes, while former President Trump urged Iran to reenter nuclear negotiations, warning of more devastating attacks if no deal is reached.
The flare-up has rattled global markets, especially as the region is key to global oil production. Over 100 drones were reportedly launched by Iran, triggering emergency alerts across Israel. The rising risk of supply disruption sent oil prices soaring, boosting energy stocks like Halliburton, APA Corp, and EOG Resources.
In contrast, airline stocks such as Delta and United plunged on fears of rising fuel costs, while defense stocks including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman rallied amid expectations of increased military spending.
Economic data offered mixed signals. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index rebounded to 60.5 in June, suggesting easing concern over recent U.S. tariff hikes. Meanwhile, inflation indicators like the PPI and CPI remained subdued, though Trump reignited trade tension by threatening higher auto tariffs and announcing upcoming letters to major U.S. trade partners.
Tech stocks were mixed. Adobe dipped despite raising guidance, while Apple ticked higher as it regained top smartphone market share in China, with a 15% global sales increase in April-May.
Markets now brace for potential escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict and further economic ripple effects across global oil and equity markets.
