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Read snapshots of the latest market news
US–Iran peace deal lifts stocks and gold, while oil prices plunge
Global markets rallied after the United States and Iran announced a peace deal, boosting equities and gold while driving oil sharply lower on expectations of restored flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
US stocks drop on inflation and geopolitical risks; EIA shows oil drawdown
US stocks fell sharply as hotter inflation, energy-driven price pressures, and the escalating conflict in the Middle East increased fears of a prolonged hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow all declined, while the VIX rose sharply. Meanwhile, a larger-than-expected draw in US crude inventories lifted oil prices, underscoring concerns over supply disruptions.
Geopolitical tensions escalate, raising risk of US response; China, US exports grow
Middle East tensions intensified as continued Israeli-Iranian attacks and a US threat of retaliation raised fears of a wider conflict, although oil prices fell. Meanwhile, US exports reached a record level on strong demand for petroleum products and capital goods, while Chinese exports and imports exceeded expectations, supporting local equities.
Brent crude and DXY advance on geopolitical concerns; European equities slip
Brent crude and the dollar index rose as tensions between Israel and Iran renewed concerns over energy supply, despite late-session hopes of de-escalation. European equities mostly declined amid risks of disruption to energy flows and expectations of tighter European Central Bank (ECB) policy.
US stocks end mixed amid diverging geopolitical signals; Yen stays under pressure
US stocks closed mixed as conflicting headlines from the Middle East reshaped risk sentiment: hopes of a ceasefire pushed oil prices lower, yet Hezbollah’s rejection and political friction in Washington preserved uncertainty. The Dow reached a record high, the Nasdaq declined, and the yen remained weak near ¥160.
Hawkish Fed bets rise on strong US data; Eurozone PPI accelerates
Strong US economic data and a sharp drop in crude inventories have boosted expectations of a hawkish Federal Reserve stance, dragging US stock indices down. Meanwhile, Eurozone producer prices accelerated to their highest level since 2023, while Australia's GDP growth slowed more than expected due to weaker domestic spending.
Canadian GDP stagnates; German inflation eases; Japanese confidence rises
Global economic data reveals contrasting macroeconomic trajectories. Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) unexpectedly stagnated in the first quarter of 2026, marking its first annual contraction since 2020 due to weakening investment. Concurrently, German headline inflation eased to 2.6% on the back of lower energy taxes, whilst Japan's booming retail, industrial, and consumer data propelled the Nikkei 225 to record highs.
PCE Price Index accelerates in line with forecasts; Geopolitical uncertainty persists
The US headline Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation rate accelerated to 3.8% in April, matching market forecasts, while durable goods orders surged by 7.9%. Despite persistent inflationary pressures, financial markets found temporary relief in a potential 60-day US-Iran ceasefire agreement.
Ongoing US-Iran tensions sustain market uncertainty; Australian inflation decelerates
Ongoing US-Iran tensions fuel domestic inflation and political pressure ahead of the US midterms, even as oil prices decline. Meanwhile, Australia’s headline inflation decelerated to 4.2% in April, driven by easing transport costs, which relieves pressure on the RBA to tighten monetary policy amid rising unemployment.
Japan exports, US building permits top forecasts; Australian unemployment increases
Japan's exports surged 14.8% in April, pushing the Nikkei 225 up 3.14%. Meanwhile, US building permits beat forecasts at 1.44 million, lifting the Dow Jones to a record high despite rising mortgage rates. Conversely, Australia's unemployment rate hit a multi-year high of 4.5%, complicating policy for the RBA.