Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Mega IPOs Like SpaceX and OpenAI Could Reshape S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Portfolios in 2026 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
South Korea’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in September, marking its first expansion in eight months as global demand improved, according to the latest S&P Global survey. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 50.7 from 48.3 in August, surpassing the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction. This was the highest reading since August 2024, driven by stronger output and new orders.
The rebound was fueled by new product launches and mass production, with overseas demand increasing for the first time in six months, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets. However, the domestic economy remained sluggish, limiting overall momentum. Economist Usamah Bhatti from S&P Global Market Intelligence noted that conditions are likely to remain favorable in the near term as manufacturers reported higher outstanding work.
South Korea’s trade-reliant economy already recorded strong growth in the second quarter, supported by robust exports in the technology sector and a rebound in consumer spending. Still, ongoing uncertainty surrounds trade talks with the U.S., where a preliminary deal announced in July has yet to be formalized due to concerns about a $350 billion investment package and its foreign exchange implications. Tariffs imposed by the U.S. remain a potential risk for Korean exporters.
The survey also showed that input purchase inventories declined at the fastest rate since April 2024 due to rising demand, while backlogs of work grew for the first time in half a year. In response, manufacturers boosted new purchases to a 13-month high and expanded employment at the fastest pace in two years. Business confidence stayed positive, though slightly weaker than the previous month, with expectations pinned on new product rollouts and gradual domestic recovery.
At the same time, manufacturers remain cautious about the potential long-term impact of U.S. tariffs on key industries, balancing optimism with lingering trade concerns.
