Asia stocks fall, oil prices diverge on US-Iran deal uncertainty

• The International Finance Corporation (IFC) committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries during fiscal year 2025. • Leveraging over 60 years of experience, the IFC operates in more than 100 nations to unlock private investment and create inclusive growth opportunities.

• Indonesia is launching a new digital data platform designed to help regional governments map export potential and expand their access to global markets. • To counter global geopolitical uncertainty, the government is aggressively pursuing trade agreements, including the ratification of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA).

• European consumer discretionary earnings plummeted by over 12% in Q1 2026, marking the worst performance of the current earnings season according to MSCI Europe data. • The decline highlights the sector's extreme vulnerability to geopolitical instability, specifically noting how economic slowdowns in hubs like Dubai directly impact luxury markets in Paris and Milan.

• The European Union has seen a significant increase in state aid as member nations shift toward more aggressive subsidy strategies. • This policy shift is primarily driven by the need to compete with China's state-backed industrial model and the United States' Inflation Reduction Act.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) is monitoring forward-looking indicators, including surveys and a wage tracker, to assess price stability within the euro area. • ECB officials noted a slight upward revision in wage growth, though they stated it is currently too early to make a definitive judgment on the trend.

• European shares reached their highest levels in over two months on Monday, with the Pan-European Stoxx 600 trading near record highs last seen in late February. • The market surge was driven by reports that the United States and Iran are negotiating a deal to end their conflict and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

• The STOXX Europe 600 Index has risen by 3.00% as investors react positively to hopes for increased geopolitical stability. • Investors are shifting focus toward European dividend stocks to secure consistent income and create a hedge against economic uncertainty.

• Financial markets opened the week of May 26, 2026, with a "risk-on" sentiment following signals from US officials and President Trump that a deal with Iran is nearing completion. • Trading volumes remained low across global markets due to bank holiday closures in the United States and the United Kingdom.

• The Nikkei stock index closed above the 65,000 mark for the first time on Monday, reaching a historic milestone. • This surge was primarily driven by investor optimism that the United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to end their ongoing conflict.

• Asian stock markets rose following renewed hopes for peace negotiations involving Iran. • Japan's Nikkei index reached a historic milestone, surpassing the 65,000 mark for the first time.

• Asian equity markets rallied on Monday, driven by falling oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. • Taiwan’s Taiex hit a record high of 43,495.92, surging nearly 3%, while India’s Nifty 50 and China’s CSI 300 rose by 1.09% and 0.91% respectively.