Five Things

• Major U.S. indices showed mixed results, with the Nasdaq jumping 2% driven by tech and communication services, while the Dow achieved a record closing high. • Gold prices declined by nearly 2% as investors reacted to renewed interest rate jitters following recent U.S.-Iran strikes. • These shifts highlight the market's sensitivity to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating expectations regarding monetary policy.

• Global markets are monitoring geopolitical tensions as Iran seeks diplomatic talks to stabilize regional volatility. • The FTSE 100 experienced a session where stocks pared losses, coinciding with the unveiling of a new plan by Andy Burnham. • Investors are anticipating a new list of AI stock recommendations for July following a previous high-performing selection that yielded a +223% return.

• The Bank of Japan raised interest rates by 25 basis points as anticipated and announced a reduction in its bond purchase program. • U.S. markets saw significant gains, with the Dow reaching a record close and the Nasdaq experiencing its strongest day since March, driven by an interim peace deal in Iran. • These developments highlight a shift in Japanese monetary policy and a positive investor reaction to geopolitical stabilization in the Middle East.

• SpaceX shares continued to rise following its record-breaking IPO, which has pushed the company's valuation to $2.1 trillion. • Gold prices surged as a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran reduced inflation concerns and weakened the U.S. dollar. • Investors are closely monitoring Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, who faces pressure from President Trump to implement aggressive rate cuts despite rising price growth.

• Global markets are monitoring volatility as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rebound following their worst trading session of the year, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined. • Oil prices have seen gains diminish as Iran and Israel halted strikes following a directive from Donald Trump to stop "shooting." • Investors are focusing on geopolitical stability and economic indicators to determine the trajectory of equity markets in the coming week.

• Alphabet is planning an $80 billion capital raise to fund its artificial intelligence initiatives, with support from Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. • Reports indicate that Iran has ceased sending messages to the United States through its mediator, signaling a potential breakdown in diplomatic communications. • These developments are highlighted as key drivers for global markets to monitor in the coming week.

Top civil servant reveals more details of vetting process and lack of paper trail for approval of Mandelson’s appointment UK politics live – latest updatesIn more than 90 minutes of evidence to the foreign affairs select committee about the Peter Mandelson scandal, Cat Little, the head civil servant in the Cabinet Office, was low key and often cautious.But she did reveal several pieces of new information – or at times information different to that given to the same committee by Olly Robbins, the former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office. Continue reading...