Latest Finance-Economy News
U.S. stocks extend record rally as AI enthusiasm offsets inflation fears
The S&P 500 rose 0.4% and the Nasdaq added 0.6% in morning trade, with the Dow also higher as investors continued buying into the AI trade. Strong earnings and optimism about artificial intelligence outweighed concern about inflation and the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Dell jumps 33% after reporting stronger AI demand
Dell Technologies surged after beating profit expectations and raising its outlook, citing robust demand for AI computing. The move reinforced how concentrated the market rally remains in companies tied to data-center and semiconductor demand.
Oil prices ease as ceasefire hopes reduce immediate supply fears
Brent crude fell 1.8% and U.S. benchmark crude dropped 1.5% after reports that the United States and Iran are working toward extending the ceasefire arrangement. Lower oil prices helped soften near-term inflation concerns, although prices remained well above pre-conflict levels.
Strait of Hormuz risk keeps energy markets on edge
The conflict has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a route handling roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade. That disruption is still a major concern because higher fuel and transport costs are feeding broader inflation pressures.
Inflation pressure remains sticky despite market relief
Recent data showed a key U.S. inflation measure accelerating in April to its highest level in three years, reinforcing worries about price pressures. Consumer confidence has also weakened as households face higher costs and tighter budgets.
Treasury yields hold steady as lower oil prices balance inflation risks
The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note was unchanged at 4.45%, reflecting a market that is still balancing growth worries, inflation risk, and easing energy prices. Bond markets were relatively calm even as equities extended their gains.
Global equities rise, led by U.S. tech and semiconductor stocks
A broader market update said major U.S. indices reached record highs, led by AI-linked mega-cap technology and semiconductor names. The rally remained narrow, with capital concentrated in companies benefiting from hyperscaler demand and improving pricing power.
Asia outperforms as foreign inflows favor Japan and Taiwan chips
Asian markets outperformed in the latest global session, supported by strong foreign inflows into Japan and Taiwan’s chip ecosystem. The pattern highlights how the AI investment theme is extending beyond U.S. stocks into global supply-chain beneficiaries.
China industrial profits jump 24.7%
The market update reported that China’s industrial profits surged 24.7%, signaling resilience in manufacturing activity. The gain suggests parts of the industrial sector are holding up despite broader global uncertainty.
Eurozone retail sales contract as consumer demand stays weak
Eurozone retail sales declined, pointing to continued pressure on consumers in the region. Weak retail demand remains a drag on the broader recovery even as risk assets elsewhere are supported by easing geopolitical tension.
U.K. business confidence improves but retail demand remains soft
Business confidence in the U.K. improved in the latest weekly snapshot, but retail demand stayed weak. That split suggests firms may be more optimistic than households about the near-term outlook.
IMF says Fiji growth remains resilient but oil shock will slow recovery
The IMF said Fiji’s economy grew an estimated 3.2% in 2025, supported by tourism, remittances, and fiscal stimulus, but warned that higher oil prices will weigh on 2026 growth. It also noted inflation is likely to rise again as fuel costs pass through to domestic prices.