Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
U.S. stocks closed mixed on Friday after a volatile trading session, as investors reacted to softer-than-expected January CPI data and falling Treasury yields. The S&P 500 finished flat at 6,835.08, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.1% to 49,500.93. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.2% to 22,546.67, weighed down by tech sector volatility. For the week, the S&P 500 declined 1.4%, the Dow lost 1.2%, and the Nasdaq dropped 2.1%.
Fresh data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.4% year-over-year in January, below expectations of 2.5% and easing from December’s 2.7%. On a monthly basis, CPI increased 0.2%, also under forecasts. Core CPI met estimates both monthly and annually, reinforcing signs that inflation is gradually cooling toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The softer inflation report boosted expectations for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, according to CME FedWatch data. Treasury yields fell sharply, with the 10-year yield dropping 6 basis points to 4.049% and the 2-year yield sliding to 3.410%. Lower yields typically support interest rate-sensitive sectors such as small-cap stocks, utilities, and real estate.
Technology stocks remained in focus after Thursday’s sharp selloff driven by concerns about artificial intelligence disruption and shifting market leadership. Applied Materials surged on strong guidance tied to AI-driven semiconductor demand and memory chip shortages. Arista Networks gained after reaffirming its margin outlook despite higher chip costs. Meanwhile, Pinterest shares fell on weak revenue guidance amid softer advertising spending. Airbnb climbed after beating revenue expectations and signaling resilient travel demand.
In commodities, gold prices rebounded more than 2% on safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Iran. Oil prices fluctuated, with Brent crude near $67.60 and WTI around $62.77, as supply surplus concerns offset geopolitical risks.
Markets now turn their focus to upcoming economic data and Federal Reserve policy signals to gauge the outlook for interest rates and equity markets.
