BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
South Korea Remains MSCI Emerging Market Despite Reform Progress 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Micron Earnings 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
U.S. stock index futures moved slightly higher Thursday night as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz pressured investor sentiment and pulled Wall Street away from recent record highs. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, strong confidence in artificial intelligence continued to support technology stocks and limited broader market losses.
S&P 500 Futures gained 0.2% to 7,377.25 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures climbed 0.3% to 28,767.0 points. Dow Jones Futures also rose 0.1% to 49,768.0 points during late trading activity. Investors remained focused on the impact of the Middle East conflict on global markets and the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which could provide fresh signals on Federal Reserve interest rate policy.
The U.S. military confirmed it intercepted Iranian attacks targeting three American warships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran accused Washington of violating an existing ceasefire after U.S. strikes reportedly hit several locations near the strategic waterway. Tehran has continued efforts to strengthen control over the strait, a critical route for global oil shipments.
President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement remains active, describing the latest military exchange as “a love tap.” However, he later warned Iran of additional strikes if negotiations failed to progress quickly.
Renewed military activity weakened hopes for a near-term U.S.-Iran peace agreement, especially after both nations previously indicated signs of diplomatic progress earlier in the week. The uncertainty dragged major U.S. indexes lower during Thursday’s session. The S&P 500 declined 0.3%, the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%.
Technology and semiconductor stocks saw mild profit-taking after recent rallies, although enthusiasm surrounding AI-driven growth continued to support the sector. Investors are now closely monitoring Friday’s nonfarm payrolls data to assess the strength of the U.S. labor market and potential economic disruptions caused by the Iran conflict. Analysts believe the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged for the remainder of the year amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
