Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
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 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
Asian Stocks End Strong Quarter as Dollar Surges, Yen Hits 40-Year Low Ahead of US Jobs Data 
World Bank Approves $1.1 Billion Emergency Funding for Bangladesh Amid Food and Energy Price Pressures 
Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
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.
