Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Micron Earnings 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Australia Jobs Growth Strengthens Rate Hike Outlook 
Malaysia Central Bank Moves to Support Ringgit Amid Foreign Fund Outflows 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Asian stock markets showed modest gains on Monday as investors reacted cautiously to ongoing developments in the Middle East conflict, while oil prices remained relatively stable. Market sentiment improved slightly due to signs of gradual diplomatic progress, even as geopolitical risks continue to influence global financial markets.
Currency markets saw notable movement, particularly with the Japanese yen strengthening sharply against the U.S. dollar. The dollar dropped as much as 0.9% to 155.7 yen before recovering slightly, sparking speculation about possible intervention by Japanese authorities. Traders remain alert following recent action by Tokyo aimed at supporting its currency.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions remain a key driver of investor behavior. The United States announced plans to assist vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. While details of the operation remain unclear, reports suggest significant military support could be deployed. However, uncertainty persists regarding the safety of shipping lanes, especially after reports of a bulk carrier being attacked near Iranian waters.
Oil prices reflected this uncertainty, with Brent crude rising slightly to around $108 per barrel, while U.S. crude hovered near $101. These modest changes indicate that investors are waiting for clearer developments before making significant moves.
Stock markets across Asia performed positively, with technology stocks leading gains. South Korea’s market surged after reopening from a holiday, while Hong Kong equities also posted solid increases. U.S. futures markets edged higher as investors prepared for a busy earnings week featuring major corporations such as Disney, AMD, and McDonald’s.
Despite strong corporate earnings growth, concerns remain over inflation and rising interest rates. Central banks worldwide, including the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, are signaling tighter monetary policies to combat inflation, partly driven by elevated energy prices.
Overall, global markets are balancing optimism around earnings with caution over geopolitical risks and inflation pressures, creating a volatile yet opportunity-filled environment for investors.
