RBA Raises Interest Rates to 4.35% Amid Rising Inflation Risks and Middle East Tensions 
Iran Warns No Military Fix for Hormuz Crisis as Talks Show Progress 
Asian Currencies Rise as Middle East Tensions Ease, South Korean Won Surges After Inflation Data 
China Services PMI Rises in April Despite Weak Export Demand 
Oil Prices Slide as Middle East Tensions Ease and U.S. Crude Inventories Shrink 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan’s Nikkei Hits Record High on U.S.-Iran Peace Optimism 
Asian Stocks Rally as Iran War Fears Ease and AI Boom Lifts South Korea 
Trump-Xi Meeting 2026: U.S.-China Trade Tensions Escalate Ahead of Beijing Summit 
European Stocks Volatile as U.S.-Iran Tensions Threaten Oil Supply and Global Markets 
Japan Tech Stocks Surge as AI Optimism Lifts SoftBank, Chipmakers 
Gold Prices Rise as Weak Dollar and Lower Oil Prices Boost Safe-Haven Demand 
Copper Prices Hold Near Three-Week Low Amid Strong Dollar and Global Slowdown Fears 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as RBA Rate Hike and Middle East Tensions Shape Market Sentiment 
Australia Posts Surprise Trade Deficit as Imports Surge on AI Equipment Demand 
China Banks Halt New Loans to Sanctioned Refineries Amid U.S.-Iran Oil Crackdown 
European stock markets traded mostly higher on Thursday as investors reacted positively to reports that the United States and Iran are preparing to restart negotiations aimed at ending their ongoing conflict. Optimism surrounding a potential peace agreement lifted investor confidence across several major European indexes and eased concerns over global oil supply disruptions.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index climbed 0.1% in early trading, while Germany’s DAX rose 0.1% and France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.4%. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 underperformed, slipping 0.3% amid weakness in energy stocks.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Washington and Tehran are working with international mediators on a preliminary framework that could relaunch formal peace talks next week in Pakistan. Negotiations are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and international inspections. While significant disagreements remain, markets welcomed signs of diplomatic progress.
Investor sentiment improved further after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the military operation against Iran could end if Tehran accepts previously discussed conditions. U.S. stock markets rallied strongly on Wednesday as traders anticipated a possible de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Oil prices moved sharply lower following the reports, as traders speculated that tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could soon normalize. The critical shipping route handles nearly 20% of global crude oil shipments and has faced severe disruptions during the conflict. Brent crude futures fell 3.7% to $97.92 per barrel.
Corporate earnings also influenced European trading activity. Shell shares declined despite the company reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits, as investors reacted negatively to reduced share buyback plans. Meanwhile, semiconductor-related stocks gained momentum after Arm Holdings issued an upbeat revenue forecast, highlighting continued strong demand driven by the artificial intelligence boom.
