Latest Finance-Economy News
Global Equities Extend Rebound on Peace Hopes
Wall Street hit records, Europe stayed mixed, and Asia rallied as markets react to hopes for US-Iran talks despite the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. Volatility remains subdued with geopolitics supportive, extending Nasdaq's winning streak.
Digital assets show selective strength, with BTC stable and IBIT outperforming.
US Philly Fed Manufacturing Surges to 26.7 Amid Inflation Spike
Philadelphia Fed Index beat expectations at 26.7, highest since January 2025, with new orders at 33.0, but prices paid hit 59.3 signaling inflation. Employment contracted to -5.1, while US industrial production dropped 0.5%, largest since Sep 2024.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new highs despite stagflation signals.
Dollar Heads for Weekly Loss as Safe-Haven Unwinds
USD stabilizing with a softer trend, heading for second straight weekly loss as euro and sterling recover Iran-war losses. Investors await weekend diplomacy catalysts.
JPY remains weak amid policy discussions.
Fed Beige Book Cites Iran War as Major Uncertainty
Federal Reserve’s Beige Book highlights Iran war complicating US firms' hiring, pricing, and capital spending. Weekly jobless claims fell to 207,000, showing labor market resilience.
Central banks lean cautious on rate moves.
IMF Warns Europe on Energy Subsidies, Projects Slow Growth
IMF urges targeted support over blanket energy subsidies to avoid distortions and costs. Euro area growth at 1.1% and EU at 1.3% in 2026 amid Middle East energy shock.
Recommends 50bps ECB tightening this year with neutral stance.
Markets Await Iran Ceasefire as Stock Rally Stalls
Investors weigh Iran truce outlook with Trump saying deal 'looking very good'. Gulf and Europe officials predict US-Iran deal months away; Pakistan engages Iran on ceasefire extension.
Markets normalize post-war shock.
BOJ's Ueda Avoids Rate Hike Signal, Yen in Focus
Bank of Japan Governor Ueda cites two-sided risks, avoiding April rate hike hints; market pricing drops to 10%. Yen weakness persists amid DC speeches.
Influences global currency trends.
ECB Signals June as Earliest Rate Move Window
ECB meeting account and officials like Schnabel, Lane lay groundwork for June policy signal based on core inflation. HICP ex-energy/food at 2.2% inline; Spanish yields rise.
Maintains cautious stance amid transatlantic inflation divergence.
TSMC Earnings Highlight Strong AI Demand
TSMC results and outlook show robust AI chip demand, impacting Japan suppliers. BofA notes positive chip sector outlook.
Chinese stocks outperform as Iran risks ebb.
Oil Eases but Supply Tight Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Oil prices easing despite tight supply; gold holds, silver firms, copper consolidates. IEA's Birol discusses oil & gas recovery; Iran war triggers global natural gas shock.
Australia expects slower growth from energy shock.
UK GDP Beats Expectations, BoE in No Rush on Rates
UK GDP beat forecasts; BoE's Bailey says no rush to raise rates, maintains restrictive stance. Inflation risks elevated, limited scope for 2026 cuts.