Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Japanese Stocks Amid AI Rally and Improved Risk Sentiment 
Global Energy Crisis: Iran Conflict Triggers Record Oil Supply Shock 
Gold Prices Edge Higher Amid Middle East Tensions and Ceasefire Uncertainty 
Japan Exports Surge for Seventh Month as AI Demand Offsets Middle East Trade Disruptions 
U.S. Freezes Dollar Transfers to Iraq, Pressures Government Over Iran-Backed Militias 
Paraguay Holds Interest Rate at 5.5% as Inflation Remains Stable Amid Global Uncertainty 
Gold Prices Slip Amid Iran Tensions and Fed Chair Uncertainty 
New Zealand Labour Backs India Free Trade Deal, Boosting Chances of Parliamentary Approval 
New Zealand Economy Faces Short-Term Pressure but Recovery Remains on Track 
Oil Prices Slip Amid Iran Ceasefire Extension, Hormuz Disruptions Keep Markets Tense 
Asian Stocks Surge to Record Highs as Wall Street Rally Offsets Oil Price Concerns 
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Surge as China Demand Rises Amid Global Supply Disruptions 
U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady as Investors Monitor Iran Tensions and Key Economic Events 
Asian Stocks Rise on AI Optimism and Iran Peace Talk Hopes 
Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz as Oil Prices Surge 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire, Easing Market Tensions 
Rising Jet Fuel Costs from Iran Conflict Push Airfare Higher Across Europe 
U.S. stock index futures moved slightly lower on Wednesday evening after major benchmarks, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, closed at fresh record highs. Investors remained cautious as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran continued, despite an extended ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump.
S&P 500 Futures declined by 0.3% to 7,153.25 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures slipped 0.1% to 27,045.0 points. Dow Jones Futures recorded a sharper drop of 0.5%, settling at 49,436.0 points. The pullback in futures came after a strong regular trading session, where the S&P 500 gained 1.1% to surpass the 7,130 mark, and the Nasdaq Composite surged 1.6%, driven largely by strength in technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted a solid 0.7% increase.
Market optimism earlier in the day was fueled by news that President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan. This development initially reduced fears of further escalation in the Middle East. However, investor sentiment shifted after reports that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized two container ships and opened fire on another vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.
The incident raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and highlighted ongoing risks in the region. As a result, oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, adding to market volatility and increasing concerns about global supply disruptions.
On the corporate front, strong earnings and positive outlooks supported equities. Micron Technology reached record highs, while GE Vernova jumped after raising its revenue forecast. Boeing shares climbed on robust aircraft demand, and Boston Scientific gained following better-than-expected results.
Tesla also remained in focus after reporting mixed quarterly earnings. The company posted revenue of approximately $22.4 billion, falling short of expectations, although profit and free cash flow exceeded forecasts. Tesla stock initially rose in after-hours trading before reversing direction.
Investors are now closely watching upcoming earnings reports from major companies including Honeywell, American Express, Blackstone, American Airlines, and Lockheed Martin, which could further influence market direction.
