Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
U.S. stocks fell sharply Friday as Middle East tensions intensified after Iran launched missile strikes on Israel, prompting fears of a broader conflict, surging oil prices, and potential economic slowdown. The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, the Dow Jones lost 769 points (1.8%), and the Nasdaq declined 1.3%.
Iran’s retaliatory strike came in response to Israel’s attack on Tehran’s nuclear and military sites—the largest assault on Iran since the 1980s. Israel has vowed further strikes, while former President Trump urged Iran to reenter nuclear negotiations, warning of more devastating attacks if no deal is reached.
The flare-up has rattled global markets, especially as the region is key to global oil production. Over 100 drones were reportedly launched by Iran, triggering emergency alerts across Israel. The rising risk of supply disruption sent oil prices soaring, boosting energy stocks like Halliburton, APA Corp, and EOG Resources.
In contrast, airline stocks such as Delta and United plunged on fears of rising fuel costs, while defense stocks including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman rallied amid expectations of increased military spending.
Economic data offered mixed signals. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index rebounded to 60.5 in June, suggesting easing concern over recent U.S. tariff hikes. Meanwhile, inflation indicators like the PPI and CPI remained subdued, though Trump reignited trade tension by threatening higher auto tariffs and announcing upcoming letters to major U.S. trade partners.
Tech stocks were mixed. Adobe dipped despite raising guidance, while Apple ticked higher as it regained top smartphone market share in China, with a 15% global sales increase in April-May.
Markets now brace for potential escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict and further economic ripple effects across global oil and equity markets.
