Boosts

• The Dow Jones index declined on Monday following reports that Iran has halted ceasefire negotiations with the United States. • Market volatility was mixed, with Nvidia seeing a price increase while other sectors reacted to the geopolitical tension. • Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway contributed to market movement by boosting its position in an undisclosed stock.

• Global investors returned to equity funds during the week ending May 27, driven by a rally in AI-linked stocks that revived market sentiment. • Regional performance was mixed, with U.S. equity funds attracting a net $1.97 billion and European funds gaining $678 million, while Asian funds saw net outflows of $3.92 billion. • Despite the AI-driven demand, overall buying remained constrained due to investor caution surrounding U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.

• The Supreme Court issued the SIR verdict, which reaffirms the constitutional authority of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral integrity. • The ruling separates constitutional principles from political theater, emphasizing that the ECI's powers are not unchecked. • To maintain accountability, the Court specified that the Commission remains subject to judicial review, statutory limitations, and the requirement to provide recorded reasons for its actions.

• Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How announced new initiatives to accelerate AI adoption and enterprise digitalization across Singapore. • The government is establishing partnerships to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practical AI tools and enhanced cybersecurity resilience. • The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), alongside SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore, has launched the "AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook" to guide businesses.

National average for gas prices has risen by well over a dollar per gallon since late FebruarySign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailDonald Trump pledged to suspend the US federal gas tax in a bid to reduce pressure on Americans after the US-Israel war on Iran sparked a sharp rise in fuel prices.The US president told reporters on Monday that his administration would look to pause the tax “till it’s appropriate”, as drivers count the cost of the surge in oil prices in the two months since US and Israel forces attacked Iran. Continue reading...

• China's ban on oil-product exports following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz closure has squeezed fuel supplies to Asian neighbors, enhancing Beijing's leverage as of May 9, 2026. • Fuel-starved countries in Asia are turning to China for jet fuel, gasoline, and diesel relief, while Beijing promotes its renewable energy technologies. • The ongoing Iran war has positioned China to deal from strength, deepening its influence in the region amid prolonged energy shortages.

• Platforms like Netflix are championing theatrical outcasts such as Nukkad Naatak, Haq, Kennedy, and Dhadak 2, transforming them into global hits. • Monika Shergill of Netflix highlights how streaming provides new life to small-budget indie films previously overlooked in theaters. • These regional and indie stories gain international audiences, bridging gaps for underreported Indian cinema.