Markets

• Global equity markets experienced a relief rally, with Asian and US indices surging due to optimism surrounding a potential peace agreement between the US and Iran. • Key gains were seen in the Nikkei 225 (+1.8%), Hang Seng Index (+0.5%), KOSPI (+0.5%), ASX 200 (+0.4%), and STI (+0.2%). • The positive market sentiment was further supported by soft Japan CPI data and a retreat in crude oil prices, increasing overall risk appetite.

• Asia-Pacific markets traded higher, with notable gains including South Korea's Kosdaq (over 3%), Kospi (0.52%), Hong Kong's Hang Seng (0.66%), and China's CSI 300 (0.78%). • Investors are reacting to diplomatic efforts regarding a U.S.-Iran peace deal, though tensions remain as Tehran intends to keep its enriched uranium stockpile domestically. • Economic data showed core inflation dropped to 1.4%, falling below both the previous March reading of 1.8% and the 1.7% forecast by Reuters economists.

• President Trump and President Xi Jinping held a high-level summit, marking the first U.S. presidential visit to China in nearly a decade. • The meeting focused on diplomatic relations and economic cooperation, signaling a potential shift in trade dynamics and geopolitical stability. • This summit is critical for Asian markets as it may reduce trade tensions and influence investment flows across the region.

• MarketsMojo has launched a comprehensive financial news and analysis platform providing real-time updates on trending stocks, IPOs, mutual funds, and global markets. • The service offers a suite of investor tools, including detailed result analysis, corporate news, and seamless portfolio tracking to help users monitor their assets. • This platform matters as it empowers investors to make more informed financial decisions through expert stock analysis and immediate real-time alerts.

Surging demand, low reserves and reduced Middle East exports predicted to cause global crunch by AugustOil markets will enter “red zone” by July and August as stocks dwindle before the summer travel season amid a shortage of fresh oil exports from the Middle East, the executive director of the International Energy Authority warned on Thursday.Fatih Birol added that the most important solution to the Iran war energy shock was a full and unconditional reopening of the strait of Hormuz. Continue reading...

• Asian stocks were mostly lower on Wednesday as higher bond yields and renewed concern over the war with Iran weighed on risk assets across the region. • Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.2% to 59,804.41, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.7%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 1.3%, and South Korea’s Kospi declined 0.9%. • The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.66% from 4.61% late Monday, and U.S. crude prices and Brent also slipped as investors assessed inflation and energy risks.

Retail sources rebuff government proposal as ‘unjustified’ and likely to push costs up across boardUK supermarkets have been asked by the government to consider putting a price freeze on some essential foodstuffs to protect the public from inflation fuelled by the Middle East conflict.Retailers rejected the plan, criticising its potential costs amid rising taxes, fuel and energy costs and arguing it could push up prices for shoppers overall. Continue reading...