US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
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 Rebound as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Return After Ship Attack Near Oman 
South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Micron Earnings 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Oil Prices Drop as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Recovers 
BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
Oil prices edged lower on Thursday, yet remained on track to close April with notable gains following a surge driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. Brent crude futures for June delivery slipped 3.3% to $114.08 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 1.9% to $104.86. Despite the pullback, both benchmarks have experienced significant upward momentum in recent weeks.
The recent rally in global oil prices has largely been fueled by ongoing instability in the Middle East, particularly the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. Even with multiple ceasefire extensions involving the U.S., Iran, Israel, and Lebanon, the blockage of this key shipping lane has severely disrupted global crude supply, contributing to one of the largest oil supply shocks in history.
Earlier gains were also supported by reports suggesting potential escalation in U.S. military involvement. According to media sources, President Donald Trump is considering various strategic options, including a naval blockade of Iran, targeted military strikes, and operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have heightened market uncertainty and added a risk premium to crude oil prices.
Market participants are also closely monitoring diplomatic efforts, as negotiations between Washington and Tehran have stalled. Analysts suggest that while tensions remain elevated, global oil supply has not been as severely impacted as initially feared. JPMorgan estimates indicate that over 10% of global crude supply has been affected, yet price increases have remained relatively moderate compared to historical spikes.
Meanwhile, news that the United Arab Emirates plans to exit OPEC briefly pressured prices, raising expectations of increased production. However, analysts believe any supply boost may be delayed due to ongoing regional disruptions.
Experts advise investors to maintain a long-term perspective amid the volatility. Diversification remains key, as oil markets continue to react sharply to geopolitical headlines and shifting supply dynamics.
