Hits Record

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a new record high, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq remained relatively flat during the latest trading session. • Market gains were primarily driven by the information technology sector, offsetting declines in the energy sector as crude oil prices dropped sharply. • The decline in oil prices follows news that the United States and Iran are nearing the formal signing of a truce agreement.

• Japan's Nikkei index reached a record high as Asia-Pacific markets generally opened higher, despite ongoing volatility in oil prices and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. • Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.36% following a report that GDP grew 2.5% year-on-year for the first quarter, slightly missing the 2.6% forecast by economists. • Australian growth was hindered by reduced household and government spending, alongside severe weather disruptions that impacted the mining sector.

• Asian stock markets rallied on Friday, with South Korea's KOSPI index reaching record highs. • The surge was driven by investor optimism following reports of a tentative 60-day ceasefire extension between the United States and Iran. • Gains were particularly strong in the technology sectors of Japan, South Korea, and China, while financial services led growth in Hong Kong and Singapore.

• South Korea's Kospi index reached a record high, advancing 2.44% to 8,039.25 during early trading. • The surge was driven by improved risk sentiment across Asian equities, bolstered by ongoing diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran. • In contrast to the Kospi's gains, Japan's Nikkei 225 saw a slight decline of 0.32%, closing at 64,948.49.

• A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll from April 24-28 shows President Trump's disapproval at 62%, his highest in two terms, with overall approval at 37%. • Only 34% approve of his economic handling and 33% of the Iran war, fueling GOP concerns for midterm losses. • Democrats hold a 5-point edge in generic House ballot tests, up from 2 points earlier.

Disapproval rose to 62%, the worst of his two terms in office, amid economic issues since launching his war against IranSix months out from November’s midterm US elections, Donald Trump’s disapproval rating has reached 62% – the worst of his two terms in office – according to a new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll.The US president received his worst ratings on the cost of living and other economic issues since launching his deeply unpopular war against Iran in February, which has plunged the global economy into an oil crisis and sent gas prices rocketing to a four-year high. Continue reading...

• CDC data shows 3.6 million US births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024, with fertility rate at 53.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15-44, down 23% since 2007. • Trump administration downplays contraception in Title X grants, mentioning it once as overprescribed with side effects, amid efforts to reverse birth decline. • High maternal mortality of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, with 4 in 5 pregnancy deaths preventable, contrasts lower risks of contraception.