Latest Business News
Bond yields surge as inflation fears rattle markets
US 30-year Treasury yields climbed to their highest level since 2007 as investors worried that accelerating inflation could force central banks to stay tighter for longer. The move is pressuring risk assets, especially growth and technology shares, and raising borrowing costs for households and companies.
Equities slip in the US and Asia while Europe holds firmer
Global stocks were mixed, with US and Asian equities weakening as yields rose, while European markets held up better thanks to company-specific gains. The market tone remains cautious as higher rates and policy uncertainty continue to weigh on sentiment.
Nvidia earnings and higher yields keep tech under pressure
Markets are focused on Nvidia earnings as a key catalyst for the tech sector, but rising bond yields are already pressuring valuations. The combination of tighter financial conditions and earnings sensitivity has amplified volatility across growth stocks.
Brent crude stays above $110 on Middle East supply risk
Brent crude remained above USD 110 for a second day as concerns persisted over supply disruption tied to tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. Energy markets are reacting to fears that geopolitical escalation could keep oil elevated and widen inflation pressures.
Gold falls as the dollar and yields strengthen
Gold traded lower as a stronger US dollar and higher bond yields reduced demand for the non-yielding metal. Safe-haven demand has been offset by expectations that inflation-driven rate hikes could continue to support the greenback.
Bitcoin steadies as ETF flows soften
Bitcoin showed signs of stabilization after recent swings, but ETF inflows have softened. The digital assets market is taking cues from broader risk appetite, which remains fragile amid rate and inflation concerns.
US dollar remains firm while the yen tries to keep pace
The dollar stayed on the strong side against major peers, reflecting sustained demand for US assets and elevated Treasury yields. The Japanese yen is attempting to keep pace but remains under pressure amid differing policy expectations.
Japan yield curve flattens after strong long-bond demand
Japan’s yield curve flattened as demand for the longest-dated government bonds came in strong. At the same time, odds of a mid-June Bank of Japan rate hike have risen above 80%, underscoring expectations for policy normalization.
UN cuts 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5%
The UN lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5%, citing inflationary pressure from the Middle East conflict and broader weakness in the outlook. It said resilient labor markets, demand, and AI-related investment offer some support, but the global backdrop remains subdued.
Trump warns US strikes on Iran could resume if talks fail
Geopolitical risk stayed elevated after Trump warned that US strikes on Iran could resume within days if talks with Gulf nations fail. The statement added to market volatility by reinforcing fears of prolonged disruption in the region.
UK CPI and US FOMC minutes are key macro events
Investors are watching UK April CPI and the latest US FOMC minutes for clues on the inflation and rate outlook. These releases could influence expectations for the timing and pace of central bank policy changes in major economies.
US Treasury targets networks tied to Iran financing
The US Treasury said on May 19 it targeted networks generating billions for Iran’s terrorist regime, underscoring a continued push to disrupt sanctioned financing channels. The action adds another layer to already heightened geopolitical and energy-market concerns.