Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
China Manufacturing PMI Edges Higher in June as Exports and AI Investment Boost Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
Trump Suspends Some Morocco Fertilizer Tariffs to Ease U.S. Supply Shortage 
Gold Price Ends Lower for Fourth Week Despite Rebound as Fed Rate Hike Bets Strengthen 
Asian Stocks Slip as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Lift Oil, Dollar Strength Persists 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
Oil prices slipped during Asian trading on Tuesday following a strong rally in the previous session, as investors balanced rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf with U.S. efforts to stabilize critical shipping routes. Brent crude futures for July delivery declined by 0.5% to $113.93 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 1.2% to $105.05 per barrel, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
The pullback comes after a significant surge in oil prices, where Brent gained more than 4% and WTI climbed करीब 6% in the prior session. This sharp increase was fueled by escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, including attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint.
Market volatility remains high as renewed military clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces have disrupted a previously fragile ceasefire. Both sides have intensified efforts to assert control over the strategic waterway, raising concerns about prolonged supply disruptions. Adding to the tension, Iranian strikes reportedly targeted key infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, including an oil terminal at Fujairah port, further unsettling global oil markets.
Traders are closely monitoring U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly announced initiative, “Project Freedom,” which aims to secure safe passage for commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf. The program involves U.S. military escorts guiding ships through safer routes in an attempt to restore partial oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Early reports suggest that American forces have already begun operations to re-establish shipping lanes.
Despite these efforts, analysts caution that while the initiative may ease logistical challenges, it does not address the deeper geopolitical conflict driving market instability. As a result, crude oil prices remain highly sensitive to further developments in the region, keeping investors on edge and reinforcing uncertainty across global energy markets.
