Malaysia Central Bank Moves to Support Ringgit Amid Foreign Fund Outflows 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
Oil Prices Rebound as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Return After Ship Attack Near Oman 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
Gold Falls Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Weigh on Prices 
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
South Korea Remains MSCI Emerging Market Despite Reform Progress 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday as escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran fueled concerns about further supply disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude oil prices surged by as much as 7%, reflecting heightened market anxiety over potential military action and ongoing instability in a key oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures for June rose $6.81, or 5.8%, reaching $124.84 per barrel, extending gains from the previous session. The more actively traded July contract also increased by 3% to $113.78 per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed $2.76, or 2.6%, to $109.64 per barrel, continuing a strong upward trend seen in recent sessions. Both oil benchmarks are on track for a fourth consecutive month of gains, with Brent prices more than doubling since the start of the year and WTI rising over 90%.
The surge in oil prices comes amid reports that the U.S. is considering military strikes against Iran to break a diplomatic stalemate over its nuclear program. The situation has intensified since airstrikes began earlier this year, followed by Iran’s retaliation through the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Although a ceasefire has temporarily halted direct conflict, the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues to disrupt supply chains.
Market analysts warn that the ongoing conflict could prolong supply shortages. With negotiations stalled, the likelihood of reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. Experts also note that geopolitical risks are currently outweighing longer-term factors such as OPEC+ influence, especially after the United Arab Emirates announced its exit from the group.
Despite expectations that OPEC+ may increase oil production slightly, analysts believe it will not be sufficient to offset current supply deficits. As prices continue to rise, demand destruction—where consumers reduce usage due to high costs—is emerging as a possible balancing factor, though it may not fully resolve the supply gap.
Overall, the oil market remains highly volatile, driven by geopolitical developments, supply constraints, and shifting global demand patterns.
