
Stocks Surge as Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Oil Prices Plunge
Apr 18, 2026 02:28 am UTC| Economy
U.S. stock markets closed sharply higher on Friday as easing Middle East tensions and the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz sent investor confidence soaring. The SP 500 gained 1.2% to finish at 7,125.36, the...

Oil Prices Plunge as Strait of Hormuz Reopens Amid U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks
Apr 18, 2026 02:27 am UTC| Economy
Global oil prices fell sharply on Friday after Iran and the United States jointly announced the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over a major disruption to the worlds oil supply. Brent crude...

Dollar Retreats as Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Easing Safe-Haven Demand
Apr 18, 2026 02:25 am UTC| Economy
The U.S. dollar surrendered most of its war-driven gains on Friday after Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz was completely open, reducing the safe-haven appeal that had propped up the currency since the U.S.-Iran conflict...

IMF Warns Middle East War to Deepen Economic Divide Across Latin America and Caribbean
Apr 18, 2026 01:20 am UTC| Economy
The ongoing Middle East conflict is expected to widen economic inequality across Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the International Monetary Fund. While oil-exporting nations stand to gain short-term...

Asian Currencies Hold Steady Amid Iran Peace Talks and BOJ Rate Hike Uncertainty
Apr 17, 2026 03:37 am UTC| Economy
Asian currencies traded in a narrow range on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of further U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, while the Japanese yen slipped after the Bank of Japans governor signaled little urgency to...

South Korea's Capital Markets Rebound as Foreign Investors Return
Apr 17, 2026 03:31 am UTC| Economy
South Koreas financial markets are staging a powerful comeback, drawing foreign investors back after a turbulent March that saw billions in capital flee. A combination of easing Middle East tensions, surging demand for AI...

U.S. and Philippines to Build 4,000-Acre Tech Hub Under Pax Silica Initiative
Apr 17, 2026 03:29 am UTC| Politics Economy
The United States and the Philippines are set to develop a massive 4,000-acre (1,620 hectares) industrial hub as part of a growing Washington-led effort to secure global AI and semiconductor supply chains. The announcement...