Latest Finance-Economy News
Nikkei 225 Soars Nearly 6% to Record 63,086 on Hormuz Reopening Hopes
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 jumped over 3,300 points to 63,086.00 as markets reopened post-holidays, driven by optimism over a potential US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The index has gained 20% in three months and 70% in a year, fueled by AI tech stocks .
Hang Seng Gains 1.7% to 26,668 Amid Ceasefire Optimism
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 1.7% to 26,668.37 as investors bet on reduced tensions from a possible US-Iran agreement allowing Persian Gulf tanker traffic. Asian markets broadly rallied despite ongoing war risks .
South Korea's Kospi Hits Record High for Second Day, Up 1.4%
The Kospi gained 1.4% to 7,490.05, following a 7% surge Wednesday past 7,000, supported by global market optimism over Strait of Hormuz developments. It marked the second straight record close .
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Rises 0.8% to 8,862
The S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.8% to 8,862.40, joining the Asian rally on expectations of normalized oil flows if Iran accepts the US proposal. Oil prices held above $100 amid the gains .
S&P 500 Futures Up 0.1%, Dow Futures Climb 0.3% Pre-Open
US futures pointed higher with S&P 500 up 0.1% and Dow up 0.3%, building on Wednesday's records where S&P rose 1.5%, Dow 1.2%, and Nasdaq 2%. Optimism tempered by US-Iran tensions .
Oil Prices Fall Nearly 8% as Iran Weighs US Proposal
Oil plunged nearly 8% Wednesday on hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz via a US-Iran deal, holding above $100 Thursday. The drop boosted stocks despite persistent war risks .
AMD Shares Surge 18.6% Leading US Market Rally
Chipmaker AMD jumped 18.6% after beating profit and revenue expectations, helping drive S&P 500 to a fresh record and Nasdaq up 2%. AI boom continues to power tech gains .
Trump Signals Iran Deal Possible, Sends One-Page MOU
President Trump indicated a deal with Iran could reopen Hormuz 'to all' if Tehran accepts, with a one-page memorandum sent amid negotiations for war end. Progress noted in social posts .
US Jet Fires on Iranian Tanker Breaching Blockade
A US fighter jet disabled an Iranian oil tanker's rudder in the Gulf of Oman as it tried to breach the American blockade of Iran's ports. Incident underscores tensions during talks .
US Dollar Dips to 156.39 Yen, Euro Rises to $1.1752
The dollar fell slightly to 156.39 yen from 156.40, while the euro strengthened to $1.1752 from $1.1747 in early Thursday trading. Currency moves reflect market optimism .
AI Boom Outpaces War Risks Driving Asian Markets Higher
Rockefeller's Ruchir Sharma highlights AI as key driver for Nikkei's gains, outpacing Iran war concerns. Tech shares benefit from ongoing boom amid ceasefire hopes .
India Fintech Shifts to Profitability with Paytm, PB Fintech Gains
Paytm posted its first meaningful profit, while PB Fintech grows on insurance demand, marking India's fintech pivot from cash burn. Strong demand supports regional economic shift .