Business

Latest Business News

๐Ÿ“…May 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
US-Iran tensions spike oil prices; Trump's tariffs ruled unlawful; Asian markets retreat amid geopolitical uncertainty and mixed corporate earnings.
1

US and Iran Forces Clash Near Strait of Hormuz

Missile and drone attacks have strained the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, prompting US retaliatory strikes on Iranian military facilities Source 1Source 3. Oil prices have risen as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas transit, remains largely closed and a US sea blockade on Iranian ports continues Source 3.

2

Federal Trade Court Rules Trump's 10% Global Tariffs Unlawful

President Trump's economic agenda suffered a setback when a federal trade court declared his 10% global tariffs unlawful, though the ruling was narrowly applied to specific plaintiffs Source 1. This decision represents another blow to the administration's tariff policies Source 1.

3

EU-US Trade Negotiations Stall Over Industrial Goods Tariffs

The European Parliament and EU member states failed to reach a deal on eliminating EU tariffs on US industrial goods as agreed under the Turnberry agreement from summer 2025 Source 2. The US has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on EU cars, exceeding the 15% ceiling previously agreed between Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Source 2.

4

Asian Stock Markets Decline Amid Iran Tensions

Asian stocks retreated on Friday as the US-Iran conflict escalated, with Tokyo's Nikkei 225 falling 0.2% and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 losing 1.5% Source 3Source 4. SoftBank Group dropped 4.6% after gaining 18% the previous day, amid broader caution around AI investments Source 1Source 3.

5

SoftBank Downsizes $10 Billion OpenAI-Backed Margin Loan

Japanese tech giant SoftBank has reduced its plans for a $10 billion margin loan backed by its OpenAI stake, signaling caution around artificial intelligence investments Source 1. This adjustment reflects broader market concerns about AI sector valuations Source 1.

6

US Stock Market Pulls Back from Records

The S&P 500 fell 0.4% to 7,337.11, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.6% to 49,596.97, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.1% to 25,806.20 on Thursday Source 3. US futures rose on Friday despite escalating Iran tensions, with S&P 500 futures gaining 0.5% Source 4.

7

Whirlpool Shares Plummet 11.9% on Weak Earnings

Whirlpool stock sank 11.9% following weaker-than-expected quarterly results Source 3Source 4. The company's poor performance contributed to broader weakness in US equities Source 3.

8

Shake Shack Tumbles 28.3% After Disappointing Results

Fast-casual restaurant chain Shake Shack's stock plummeted 28.3% following weaker-than-expected earnings results Source 3Source 4. The significant decline reflects investor disappointment with the company's financial performance Source 3.

9

McDonald's Stock Edges Down Despite Beating Expectations

McDonald's fell 0.1% after reporting quarterly revenue that exceeded analyst expectations Source 3Source 4. Despite the positive earnings beat, the stock experienced minimal movement as investors digested the results Source 3.

10

US-Iran War Negotiations Show Limited Progress

Tehran announced Thursday that it is still examining the latest proposals from the US for ending the ongoing war, indicating slow-moving negotiations Source 3Source 4. Investors are closely monitoring the conflict situation as it continues to impact global markets and oil prices Source 3.

11

European Stocks Decline in Morning Trading

Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.7% to 10,206.38, Germany's DAX shed 1% to 24,417.08, and France's CAC 40 dropped 0.8% to 8,134.92 in early European trading Source 4. The declines reflect broader concerns about geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties Source 4.

12

Currency Markets Adjust Amid Global Uncertainty

The US dollar fell to 156.65-156.82 Japanese yen from 156.93 yen, while the euro strengthened to $1.1745-$1.1772, up from $1.1726 Source 3Source 4. Currency movements reflect investor concerns about geopolitical risks and economic policy uncertainty Source 3Source 4.