US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
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.
