North America

Oil prices fell on the back of optimism about a U.S. Iran peace deal. The fate of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, remained unresolved. MSCI's All-Country World Index increased?0.17%, trading around record highs. Europe's STOXX 600 was down 0.25% after a 2.2% jump on Wednesday. Last up by 1.7%. After a long holiday weekend, trading on the Nikkei 225 index resumed. Samy Chaar, chief economist at Lombard Odier, said that while the Middle East situation is uncertain, "the market momentum is moving in a positive direction", and they have taken notice. He said, "The oil price has dropped...

Oil prices sank as stocks rose Thursday amid optimism about a U.S. Iran peace deal. However, the fate of the Strait of Hormuz remained unclear. MSCI's "All-Country World Index" rose by 0.23%, approaching a record high. Europe's STOXX was little changed after a?2.2% jump on Wednesday. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index outside Japan also rose to an all-time record high. After a long holiday weekend, trading on the Nikkei 225 index resumed. Samy Chaar, chief economist at Lombard Odier, said that while the Middle East situation is uncertain, "the market momentum is moving in a positive direction", and they have taken...

Gold?prices rose on Thursday for a 'third consecutive day, supported by a softer dollar. Hopes of a U.S. Iran deal helped ease concerns about inflation and high interest rates. As of 0728 GMT spot gold was up 1% to $4,738.86 an ounce after rising about 3 percent on Wednesday, when it reached its highest level since April 27. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery rose by 1.2% to $4748.50. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, predicted that the war with Iran would end quickly as Tehran considered the U.S. peace offer that sources say will formally end conflict while leaving unresolved...

The impact of the 'crisis' on the physical fuel markets has worsened. Prices for crude oil futures fluctuated in line with headlines about the conflict between the United States, and Iran. Brent contracts fell 7.8% to close at $101.27 per barrel on Wednesday, despite the fact that a sustained and full reopening of the 'Strait of Hormuz is still a long time away. The United States and Israel's February 28th attack on Iran has led to a reduction in the volume of refined products shipped throughout Asia. The Strait of Hormuz is the main energy-consuming region in the world and...

Gold prices remained largely stable?near an all-time high on Thursday as?investors were waiting for more details about a possible U.S. Iran peace deal. As of 0436 GMT spot gold was up by 0.1%, at $4,692.45 an ounce. It had risen about 3% Wednesday, to its highest level since April 27. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery rose by 0.2% to $4701. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, predicted that the war between Iran and the U.S. would end quickly as Tehran considered an?U.S. Sources said that the peace proposal would end the war, but leave unresolved the key U.S. demand?that Iran...

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Japan's Nikkei returned after a holiday to join the AI rally and reach record highs. South Korea, Taiwan and other equities also reached new heights. Oil prices hovered around $100 per barrel, as the markets waited for an agreement to end the Middle East conflict. The Nikkei Index 225 (the benchmark) soared by nearly 6%. This lifted broader Asian gauges up to new highs, after strong earnings from tech companies fueled the AI momentum. The Nikkei has now risen 25% this year, but is...

U.S. Crude Futures rose by a little over $1 on Thursday morning, reversing the day before's losses, as investors assessed prospects for a Middle East Peace Deal. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude Futures rose 80 cents or 0.8% to $95.88 per barrel at 2223 GMT, after reaching as high as $96.33 during the previous session. The benchmark 'contract' fell about 7% Wednesday, on the back of optimism that a possible 'end to the Middle East war could be near. Sources from the mediator Pakistan and a second source who was briefed about the mediation both said that an agreement had...

Mike Dolan, Editor at Large, Finance and Markets, explains what matters today in U.S. markets. After reports that the U.S., Iran and other countries were "close to a memorandum of one page" ending the Gulf War, oil prices plummeted and global stocks surged. This news was released just days after U.S. president Donald Trump announced that he would pause the operation to reopen Gulf shipping. The broader stock indexes did not need an excuse to rise, as newly upgraded AI expenditure estimates lifted Wall Street and global markets on Tuesday. Below, I will go into more detail. Check out my...

The U.S. bond yields have crossed 5% eight times or more in the last three years, but never stayed there. The question of whether 'dragons' or 'buyers" are above this level is critical for an investor base who has become sour about?super-long term government debt. The appetite for long-term bonds is still important, as 17% of Treasury debt maturing in the next 10 years will be held by the U.S. Treasury. This appetite is being affected by a 'cocktail' of factors, including inflation, corporate debt, dollar value and foreign ownership. A 5% coupon per year from the U.S. Treasury is...

The Puerto Rico Basketball Federation announced on Tuesday that the legendary Puerto Rican basketball player Jose "Piculin Ortiz" died aged 62, after fighting colorectal carcinoma for several years. Today, Puerto Rico has lost?more than a sportsman. It?loses an icon. The Puerto Rico Basketball Federation told X, "Thank you for your joy and for proudly representing our flag." Your legacy will continue to live on every court, and in each generation that you inspired. Ortiz was a Puerto Rican born in Aibonito on October 25, 1964. He was 2.08 meters high when he became a dominant player in Puerto Rico's local...

Gold prices rose on Tuesday, after hitting a'more than one-month-low in the previous session. Investors assessed the fragile Middle East ceasefire and its potential impact on inflation expectations and interest rate expectations. Gold spot was up 1% at $4,566.79 an ounce by 8:45 am EDT (1245 GMT) after it reached its lowest level on Monday since March 31. U.S. Gold Futures rose 1% to $4,576,60. Oil prices are also easing, which is supporting the market. The market will continue to monitor headlines but could shift its focus towards economic data, said Jim Wyckoff, a market analyst at American Gold Exchange....

The global stock market rose on Tuesday as a result of a string of strong earnings. Meanwhile, the oil price remained above $100 per barrel due to the'simmering hostilities' between the U.S.A. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The yen was also on traders' minds after it briefly rose in the previous session, fueling speculation about another round of Tokyo intervention. The STOXX 600 index rose 0.5% in Europe. This was boosted by Anheuser-Busch shares, which surpassed expectations with their first-quarter results. Also, Unicredit, an Italian lender, reported record profits for the quarter. U.S. and Iran launched dueling maritime...

The U.S. trade court ruled on Thursday against President Donald Trump’s latest 10% tariffs on global goods, stating that they were not justified by a 1970s law on trade. However, the court only halted 'the levy on Washington State and two small businesses. The U.S. Court of International Trade has ruled in favor of two businesses, Washington State and the state of Washington that had challenged the tariffs which went into effect on 24 February. The decision was 2-1 with one judge stating that it was premature for the small businesses to win. The White House didn't immediately respond to...

The United States imposed financial sanctions on Thursday on a conglomerate of businesses run by the?Cuban military and a joint venture between Cubans and Canadians in the mining industry. This comes as the Trump Administration intensifies its pressure on Cuba's communist leadership by targeting foreign investment sources. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has commented on the January military raid that was conducted to capture the leader of Venezuela's longtime ally Cuba. Cuba is next" and blocked most oil deliveries to the country. This worsened power outages in the island. Trump signed an executive directive last week that broadened U.S. Sanctions...

Three sources claim that the largest contractor of Barrick Mining’s Loulo-Gounkoto Gold Complex in Mali has closed operations and laid off more than 600 employees. This is a new sign the Canadian miner wants to reduce its exposure to high-risk assets. Sources familiar with the situation said that the move was prompted by a sluggish investment and production at the complex. Barrick had taken control of the complex from Malian administrators after a standoff over taxes and ownership. First and second sources said Barrick did not intend to renew its contract with Gounkoto Mining Services in 2026. They added that...

The head of Argentina's mining chamber said Thursday that the flagship investment incentive program for large projects, which currently has a 2027 deadline, should be extended. He argued the program was key to unlocking billions in planned investments. Roberto Cacciola said that the Incentive Regime for Large Investments, or RIGI, has helped to attract capital into the mining sector. The RIGI offers tax, currency, and legal stability advantages for projects valued at more than $200,000,000. Cacciola suggested that the scheme be expanded to include smaller projects which are important in creating jobs and supporting local supply chains. Cacciola told the...

Australian'shares' logged their second consecutive session of gains,?boosted by mining and financial stocks as hopes for a?peace agreement off the Middle East helped stabilize markets worldwide and lift risk appetite. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rose 1% to 8,878.10, continuing gains for the second consecutive session after gaining 1.3% on Wednesday. The global markets were encouraged by the prospects of a Middle East Peace Deal after Trump stated that he expects the war in Iran to be over soon. This positive sentiment spread into Australian markets. Cameron Curko (chief investment officer, Pitcher Partners) said that gold and copper-related miners are rising...

In 2024, a new mine producing silver, barite, and lead opened in the mountainous central Bosnian town of Vares. After decades of economic devastation, new roads, houses, and cafes were built. The population of the small town Vares, in central Bosnia, grew with new workers and residents. Blood tests in recent months have shown that more than 300 residents living near the mine are exposed to lead. Some of these levels are high, alarming the locals and putting the future of the town into question. Four Bosnian environmental agencies have filed criminal charges with the Zenica Doboj cantonal prosecutor's office...

On 'Wednesday', copper prices reached their highest level in almost two weeks on hopes that Iran and the U.S. are nearing a deal to end the Middle East?war. The benchmark three-month 'copper' on the London Metal Exchange increased 2.1% to $13,410 per metric ton during official open-outcry trade for a third consecutive session. It had earlier reached its highest level since April 23, at $13,462. Sources said that the United States and Iran were close to an agreement over a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of one page in order to end the Gulf War. Robert Montefusco, broker at?Sucden financial, said...

The Group of Seven Trade Ministers met in Paris on Wednesday to find common ground for securing vital?mineral? supplies that are dominated primarily by China. However, the United States' recent tariff threats against European Union made cars could strain unity. As ministers prepare to hold a summit of leaders in mid-June, Nicolas Forissier, the French Foreign Trade Minister said that France wanted critical minerals supplies among its most tangible deliverables. He said: "I think we'll make concrete progress in rare earths, critical minerals and supply chain security. We won't be held hostage to certain countries." There was a broad consensus...

Nickel prices reached $20,000 for the first time since about two years as U.S. president?Donald Trump hinted at a possible peace agreement that would end the war with Iran. The benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange increased 1.1% to $13,284.50 a metric ton at 0804 GMT. This is its highest level since March 27. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract was up 1.6% to 102,660 Yuan ($15.029.98) a ton. The Chinese markets resumed trading Wednesday after the May Day holiday. LME nickel rose 1.4% to $19 915 per ton, after reaching $20,000, the last time...

Gold prices rose?more?than 2% on Tuesday after the?U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a possible deal could be made with Iran. This sent the dollar and crude prices lower, as inflation fears waned. As of 0811 GMT, spot gold rose 2.7% to $4680.91 an ounce. This is the highest it has been since April 28. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery rose?2.7%, to $4693.20. U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will temporarily pause a mission to help escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He cited progress towards a comprehensive deal with Iran. Iran's foreign minister said...

The new CEO Berta De Pablos Barbier is struggling to deal with the weak consumer sentiment that has been affecting the U.S., Europe and the Middle East due to the "Iran War". Pandora is under pressure due to high U.S. tariffs on imports and an increase in the price of silver. The Danish company sells silver charms bracelets starting at $70, made in its factories in Thailand. The company's poll of analysts predicted a first-quarter revenue of 7.089 billion crowns, which sent the shares of Pandora up by 9% at?early trade. Sales in Europe, Middle East, and Africa declined by...

The gold price rose by 2% Wednesday due to a weaker dollar. Meanwhile, lower oil prices eased concerns about inflation and interest rates that would be higher for longer, in anticipation of an agreement between the U.S. and Iran. As of 0415 GMT, spot gold was up by 2% to $4,647.09 an ounce. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery rose 2% to $4 658. U.S. president Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will temporarily halt an operation to help escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He cited progress towards a comprehensive deal with Iran. The gold price rose as...