US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Canada Grants C$7 Million to Greenland Molybdenum Mine to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply 
US Stock Futures Rise as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Market Sentiment 
Trump Suspends Some Morocco Fertilizer Tariffs to Ease U.S. Supply Shortage 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
Gold Price Ends Lower for Fourth Week Despite Rebound as Fed Rate Hike Bets Strengthen 
Gold Price Hits Annual Low as Fed Rate Hike Bets and Sticky Inflation Weigh on Bullion 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Asian markets showed resilience on Thursday as AI-related stocks climbed following strong earnings from major U.S. tech firms, even as rising oil prices and tightening monetary policy pressured global bonds and currencies. Investor sentiment remained mixed, balancing optimism in artificial intelligence growth with mounting macroeconomic risks tied to inflation and interest rates.
Tech giants led the momentum, with Alphabet exceeding expectations and lifting Nasdaq futures by around 1%. Microsoft and Amazon also delivered solid results, reinforcing confidence in continued AI-driven expansion. However, Meta Platforms weighed on sentiment after announcing a sharp increase in capital expenditures to fund artificial intelligence infrastructure, sending its shares lower.
In Asia, equity performance was uneven. Japan’s Nikkei index slipped slightly but remained on track for strong monthly gains, while South Korea’s KOSPI reached a record high driven by Samsung Electronics’ surge in operating profit amid booming AI demand. Meanwhile, Chinese blue chips edged higher and Hong Kong stocks dipped modestly.
Global financial markets faced pressure from a sharp spike in oil prices, with Brent crude jumping to a four-year high above $122 per barrel amid geopolitical concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The surge fueled inflation fears and triggered a sell-off in government bonds worldwide. U.S. Treasury yields climbed to a one-month high, while Japanese and Australian bond yields also surged to multi-year peaks.
Central banks added to market volatility as expectations grew for more aggressive policy tightening. Investors increasingly believe the Federal Reserve may hold rates steady longer, with a potential hike next year now being priced in. The U.S. dollar strengthened alongside rising yields, pushing the yen past 160 per dollar and raising concerns about possible intervention.
Despite economic uncertainties, strong corporate earnings and continued investment in AI technology are helping support equity markets. However, rising borrowing costs, elevated oil prices, and widening credit spreads continue to pose risks to global growth and investor confidence.
