Bank of Japan Signals Potential Rate Hike as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Shock 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Persist 
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Surge as China Demand Rises Amid Global Supply Disruptions 
USDA Plans to Expand Farmer Surveys to Improve Crop Report Accuracy 
Oil Prices Slip Amid Iran Ceasefire Extension, Hormuz Disruptions Keep Markets Tense 
Global Energy Crisis: Iran Conflict Triggers Record Oil Supply Shock 
Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Japanese Stocks Amid AI Rally and Improved Risk Sentiment 
Paraguay Holds Interest Rate at 5.5% as Inflation Remains Stable Amid Global Uncertainty 
U.S. Freezes Dollar Transfers to Iraq, Pressures Government Over Iran-Backed Militias 
Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz as Oil Prices Surge 
US and EU Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce China Dependence 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire, Easing Market Tensions 
New Zealand Economy Faces Short-Term Pressure but Recovery Remains on Track 
Gold Prices Slip as Strong Dollar and Middle East Tensions Weigh on Market 
New Zealand Labour Backs India Free Trade Deal, Boosting Chances of Parliamentary Approval 
Asian Markets Mixed as Oil Prices Rise Amid Middle East Tensions and Ceasefire Uncertainty 
Stock Futures Dip as S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 
U.S. stock index futures moved slightly higher বৃহস্পতিবার evening following a weaker session on Wall Street, as investors responded to geopolitical developments and strong corporate earnings. S&P 500 Futures climbed 0.2% to 7,160 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures rose 0.7% to 27,133.75. Dow Jones Futures remained largely unchanged at 49,486, reflecting cautious optimism in the market.
The modest rebound came after President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their ceasefire for an additional three weeks. The extension eased immediate geopolitical concerns, although risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to weigh on investor sentiment. Trump also noted that the United States would support Lebanon in strengthening its defenses against Hezbollah, signaling ongoing U.S. involvement in the region.
Earlier বৃহস্পতিবার, major U.S. stock indexes closed lower, pulling back from recent highs as surging oil prices pressured equities. The Nasdaq Composite led losses, dropping करीब 1%, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average each declined 0.4%. Crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel amid continued tensions and reports of ship seizures near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting persistent supply risks and market volatility.
Despite rising energy costs, analysts suggest that equity markets remain relatively stable for now. According to ING, investors are giving ongoing negotiations time, even as higher oil prices and interest rates pose potential risks to future market performance.
Meanwhile, corporate earnings continue to provide support. Intel Corporation shares surged more than 20% in after-hours trading after reporting stronger-than-expected first-quarter results. Growth was driven by strong demand for data center processors and artificial intelligence workloads, reinforcing Intel’s position in the AI-driven semiconductor market. The company also issued an optimistic revenue forecast for the second quarter, exceeding analyst expectations.
Investors are now focusing on upcoming earnings reports from major companies including Procter & Gamble, Norfolk Southern, Charter Communications, and SLB, which could further influence market direction and investor confidence.
