US Oil Blockade Deepens Iran’s Economic Crisis 
Japan, US Target AI and Chips in $550 Billion Investment Push 
Gold Holds Near $4,400 as Fed Hike Bets Rise 
Iran Vows Tougher Response as U.S. Sanctions Squeeze Economy 
China to Inject $45 Billion Into State Financial Institutions 
JPMorgan Sees ECB Raising Rates to 2.75% in December 
Asian Currencies Rise as Yen Surges on Fed Rate Outlook 
UK House Prices Fall for First Time Since 2023 
Uranium Prices Could Top $100 as Nuclear Demand Grows 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Yen Rallies on BOJ Bets 
Asian Stocks Rally as Fed Rate Hike Fears Ease 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Tensions Threaten Supply 
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone as Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Higher 
China Expands Influence in Global Gold Market 
Turkey Targets 5% Economic Growth by 2029 
OPEC+ Expected to Hold October Oil Output Steady 
Singapore Straits Times Index Hits Record High as Banks, Property Stocks Rally 
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U.S. stock futures moved lower on Monday as renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran unsettled global markets and raised concerns about the future of a fragile ceasefire expected to expire later this week. As of early trading, Dow Jones futures dropped about 292 points, or 0.6%, while S&P 500 futures declined 0.6% and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 0.5%, signaling a cautious start to the week on Wall Street.
The pullback follows a strong performance last week, when major U.S. stock indices climbed more than 1% and reached record highs. Investor sentiment had been boosted by reports that the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for nearly 20% of global oil supply—had reopened after weeks of disruption. Optimism also grew around a potential extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, suggesting the possibility of a longer-term resolution.
However, fresh developments have clouded that outlook. Former President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel accused of breaching sanctions, prompting Tehran to issue threats of retaliation. Iran has also hinted it may withdraw from upcoming negotiations, intensifying uncertainty. Conflicting reports regarding the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz have further added to market volatility, with some data indicating resumed shipping activity while Iranian officials claim renewed closures.
As a result, oil prices surged sharply, reversing last week’s losses. Brent crude rose over 5% to around $95 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained more than 6%, reflecting heightened supply concerns.
Investors are also closely watching a busy week of corporate earnings reports, including results from major companies such as American Express, Intel, Tesla, and UnitedHealth. Economic data, particularly U.S. business activity figures for April, will also play a key role in shaping market direction.
Market analysts note that ongoing geopolitical risks, combined with key economic indicators and earnings updates, could drive increased volatility across global financial markets in the days ahead.
