Stocks

• Asian stocks rose on Friday as investors maintained optimism for a breakthrough in U.S.-Iran peace talks, despite ongoing disagreements over key issues. • The U.S. dollar reached a six-week high while oil prices experienced volatility amid the geopolitical uncertainty. • In South Korea, the Interior Ministry announced it will stop offering products from companies that trivialize the nation's democratic history following a controversial Starbucks Korea marketing campaign.

• European AI and tech stocks are experiencing a strong rally, providing a rare bright spot for equity markets amid broader economic instability. • This growth occurs as energy shocks triggered by the war in Iran threaten to dampen overall economic growth across the region. • Key industry developments include the deployment of a $400-million High NA EUV machine by ASML at the IMEC research lab in Belgium.

• Asian stocks rose on Friday, May 22, as investors maintained a positive outlook amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. • The U.S. dollar climbed to a six-week high, reflecting shifting market sentiment and currency volatility. • Market participants are closely monitoring US-Iran talks, as the outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact global oil prices and geopolitical stability.

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• Stock markets edged higher in early trading as investors anticipate key financial reports and macroeconomic data. • Nvidia is scheduled to report earnings, with market participants specifically focusing on the company's gross margins. • The release of Federal Reserve minutes is expected to provide critical clues regarding potential interest rate hikes amid rising inflation and yields.

• Several European stocks have experienced a blockbuster rally, with some gaining over 100% this year driven by the global AI investment frenzy. • Companies like Nokia are positioned to support AI infrastructure, though they face a more restrictive regulatory environment than their U.S. counterparts. • The expansion of AI in Europe is currently hindered by power grid constraints, data center moratoriums, and strict compliance requirements under the EU AI Act.

• AI infrastructure and semiconductor stocks have driven over two-thirds of the STOXX Europe 600's gains since April, according to TS Lombard strategist Davide Oneglia. • Reported by Seeking Alpha on May 20, 2026, the data highlights a heavy market concentration in chipmakers and AI compute suppliers. • This trend is significant as these specific tech sectors are offsetting a broader macroeconomic slowdown across Europe.