Asian Stocks Slip as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Lift Oil, Dollar Strength Persists 
Gold Prices Drop as Fed Rate Outlook and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market 
China Manufacturing PMI Edges Higher in June as Exports and AI Investment Boost Growth 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
Asian Stocks End Strong Quarter as Dollar Surges, Yen Hits 40-Year Low Ahead of US Jobs Data 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
Gold Price Ends Lower for Fourth Week Despite Rebound as Fed Rate Hike Bets Strengthen 
Asian stock markets advanced on Wednesday, driven by strong gains in technology shares and continued investor enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). Despite escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, regional markets largely maintained a positive outlook, following record-setting performances on Wall Street.
Japan emerged as the strongest performer in Asia, with the Nikkei 225 soaring nearly 3% to a new all-time high of 68,645.5 points. The broader TOPIX index also reached a record level of 3,996.22 points. Investor sentiment was boosted by expectations of additional government support after Japan’s cabinet approved a supplementary budget worth 3.11 trillion yen ($19.5 billion). The package is designed to ease the burden of rising living costs through continued energy subsidies, while discussions over a potential consumption tax cut further improved market confidence.
Technology and semiconductor stocks led gains in Japan, benefiting from ongoing optimism surrounding AI-related investments and global demand for advanced computing technologies.
Australian equities also posted solid gains, with the ASX 200 rising 0.8%. The increase came after first-quarter GDP data showed slightly weaker-than-expected economic growth. While household spending remained relatively stable, higher fuel costs and disruptions in the mining sector weighed on overall performance. The softer economic data strengthened expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia will keep interest rates unchanged in the near term.
Chinese markets joined the regional rally, with the CSI 300 climbing 1.6% and the Shanghai Composite Index gaining 0.6%. Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.7%, reflecting broad investor confidence across the region.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was the notable exception, falling nearly 2% as investors locked in profits after strong gains in major technology stocks during the previous session.
Meanwhile, India’s Nifty 50 declined 0.7%, extending recent weakness amid concerns over rising oil prices and limited exposure to the booming AI sector.
Although oil prices increased following renewed military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, investors remained focused on economic stimulus measures, AI-driven growth opportunities, and the resilience of global technology stocks, helping Asian markets maintain their upward momentum.
