Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
U.S. stock markets closed sharply higher on Thursday, driven by solid corporate earnings, easing oil prices, and steady economic data that boosted investor confidence. The S&P 500 rose 1% to a record-breaking 7,210.24, marking its first close above the 7,200 level. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.6% to 49,651.95, and the Nasdaq Composite increased 0.9% to 24,892.31, reflecting strong momentum across major indices.
April proved to be a standout month for Wall Street, with the S&P 500 climbing 10.4% and the Nasdaq jumping 15.3%, making it their best monthly performance since 2020. The rally followed March losses triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Improved sentiment was supported by easing conflict concerns and optimism surrounding corporate earnings, particularly from leading technology companies.
Big Tech played a significant role in market gains, as companies continued investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Alphabet shares surged after strong cloud revenue growth, while Amazon also hit record levels due to expansion in its cloud business. However, performance was mixed, with Microsoft shares declining slightly and Meta dropping after announcing increased capital expenditure plans. These developments highlight growing competition in the AI sector, with companies investing billions to secure long-term growth.
Oil prices showed volatility amid geopolitical developments but eventually declined, helping ease inflation concerns. At the same time, the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates between 3.50% and 3.75%, signaling caution amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Inflation data showed moderate increases, while U.S. GDP grew at an annual rate of 2% in the first quarter, indicating steady economic expansion.
Overall, the combination of strong earnings, resilient economic growth, and easing global tensions has reinforced bullish sentiment in the stock market. Investors remain focused on AI investments, inflation trends, and geopolitical developments, which are expected to shape market direction in the coming months.
