Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Trump Suspends Some Morocco Fertilizer Tariffs to Ease U.S. Supply Shortage 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Gold Price Ends Lower for Fourth Week Despite Rebound as Fed Rate Hike Bets Strengthen 
Gold Price Hits Annual Low as Fed Rate Hike Bets and Sticky Inflation Weigh on Bullion 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
World Bank Approves $1.1 Billion Emergency Funding for Bangladesh Amid Food and Energy Price Pressures 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
Canada Grants C$7 Million to Greenland Molybdenum Mine to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
U.S. stock index futures traded mixed on Wednesday evening as investors reacted to the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision, rising oil prices, and a fresh round of earnings from major technology companies. Market sentiment remained cautious after Wall Street ended the regular session with minimal movement.
S&P 500 futures gained 0.4% to 7,197.75, while Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.9% to 27,570.75. In contrast, Dow Jones futures slipped 0.3% to 48,874. The mixed performance reflects ongoing uncertainty in the financial markets as traders assess macroeconomic signals and corporate earnings.
During Wednesday’s session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.6%, while both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite finished nearly unchanged. Investors remained on edge following the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged for a third consecutive meeting. Although the move was widely expected, policymakers संकेत internal divisions, highlighting uncertainty about the future path of monetary policy.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that inflation pressures, particularly those linked to energy prices, may not have peaked yet. His comments reinforced a cautious outlook for interest rates, suggesting that policymakers are not ready to pivot toward easing just yet. Powell also confirmed he will continue serving on the Fed’s board after stepping down as chair.
Meanwhile, oil prices surged by approximately 6%, extending gains into Thursday’s Asian trading session. The rally was driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that the U.S. may be considering measures to secure shipping routes amid escalating tensions with Iran.
In corporate news, megacap technology stocks delivered mixed earnings results after the market close. Microsoft posted strong earnings driven by cloud computing and AI demand, though its stock remained relatively flat. Meta Platforms dropped sharply after signaling reduced capital spending. Amazon shares rose following an earnings beat, while Alphabet surged on strong advertising performance.
Investors are now closely watching upcoming economic data, including U.S. GDP figures and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, a key inflation gauge for the Federal Reserve. These indicators are expected to play a crucial role in shaping market direction in the coming days.
