US Stock Futures Rise as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Market Sentiment 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Canada Grants C$7 Million to Greenland Molybdenum Mine to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply 
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 Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Asian Stocks End Strong Quarter as Dollar Surges, Yen Hits 40-Year Low Ahead of US Jobs Data 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
World Bank Approves $1.1 Billion Emergency Funding for Bangladesh Amid Food and Energy Price Pressures 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
The U.S. dollar strengthened on Thursday as investors increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again later this year following stronger-than-expected economic data. Fresh inflation figures and resilient retail sales reinforced confidence in the U.S. economy, helping the greenback climb against major global currencies.
The U.S. Dollar Index, which measures the currency against six major peers, advanced 0.3% to 98.82. Market sentiment shifted after recent consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI) reports showed inflation pressures remain elevated. April retail sales also increased 0.5%, matching analyst expectations, although growth slowed compared to March’s stronger gain. Economists noted that consumers continue spending despite higher fuel costs and inflation concerns, signaling ongoing economic resilience.
Rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions have also influenced inflation expectations, reducing hopes for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Higher interest rates typically support the U.S. dollar by attracting global investors seeking stronger returns.
Attention also turned to President Donald Trump’s visit to China, where trade talks, artificial intelligence cooperation, and discussions surrounding Iran dominated headlines. Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly expressed willingness to assist diplomatic efforts regarding the Middle East crisis, while investors monitored potential progress in U.S.-China trade relations. Reports suggesting the U.S. approved several Chinese firms to purchase Nvidia’s H200 AI chips further boosted market optimism. Boeing shares also benefited after Trump announced China agreed to purchase 200 aircraft from the American manufacturer.
In currency markets, the British pound weakened despite stronger UK GDP growth data, while the euro and Japanese yen also lost ground against the dollar. The Chinese yuan, however, remained near multi-year highs following positive sentiment surrounding the summit discussions.
