Gold Prices Drop as Fed Rate Outlook and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
Canada Grants C$7 Million to Greenland Molybdenum Mine to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply 
World Bank Approves $1.1 Billion Emergency Funding for Bangladesh Amid Food and Energy Price Pressures 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Trump Suspends Some Morocco Fertilizer Tariffs to Ease U.S. Supply Shortage 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
U.S. stock index futures showed little movement Sunday night following record-breaking closes last week, as rising oil prices and stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations weighed on investor sentiment. Market participants are now preparing for a critical week filled with major corporate earnings and a key Federal Reserve decision.
S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% to 7,189.75, while Dow Jones futures declined 0.2% to 49,293. Meanwhile, Nasdaq 100 futures edged up 0.1% to 27,455.75. Despite the muted start, Wall Street recently posted strong gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching all-time highs after four consecutive weeks of growth. The Nasdaq led weekly gains with a 1.5% increase, while the S&P 500 rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, dipped 0.4% over the same period.
Energy markets are drawing attention as oil prices climb sharply. Brent crude surged to $108 per barrel during Asian trading after U.S.-Iran talks stalled, raising concerns over global supply disruptions. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, has intensified fears of prolonged energy constraints, further impacting global market confidence.
Geopolitical tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned diplomatic visit to Pakistan aimed at advancing Iran-related negotiations. Talks held earlier in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving uncertainty around future developments.
Investors are now focused on upcoming earnings reports from major technology companies, often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.” Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms are set to release results midweek, followed by Apple. These reports are expected to play a significant role in shaping market direction.
Additionally, attention is on the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on Wednesday. This meeting could be particularly notable as it may be the final one chaired by Jerome Powell before a leadership transition, adding another layer of importance for investors monitoring interest rate outlooks and economic signals.
