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Read snapshots of the latest market news
US yields and dollar advance as inflation risks mount; Japanese PPI jumps sharply
Rising inflation risks and geopolitical tensions pushed US Treasury yields and the dollar higher, causing global stock markets to retreat. Higher energy prices and a potential hawkish Federal Reserve stance for 2026 dominate investor concerns, while Japan's PPI surged to a three-year high.
British pound falls on weak industrial output; Cisco hits record high on solid Q1 report
The British pound depreciated amidst mounting political instability and stagnant industrial production. Conversely, US equity markets reached unprecedented highs, bolstered by resilient retail sales data and exceptional first-quarter earnings from Cisco Systems.
US PPI beats forecasts, reviving inflation concerns; EIA oil inventories fall
The US PPI surged to 6% in April, driven by a 15.6% gasoline price spike amid Middle East tensions. This inflation jump prompted Fed officials to consider potential rate hikes. Meanwhile, EIA oil inventories fell more than expected, and Presidents Trump and Xi met in Beijing to discuss critical bilateral trade and security issues.
US inflation accelerates beyond expectations while oil prices rebound
US inflation accelerated to 3.8% in April, primarily driven by surging fuel costs and escalating geopolitical instability in the Middle East. With WTI crude surpassing the $100 threshold and rising inflation risks, market expectations suggest the Federal Reserve may be compelled to maintain or even increase interest rates throughout the 2026–2027 period.
China inflation rises; Constellation beats forecasts; Eyes on US CPI and Trump-Xi meeting
China’s inflation hit 1.2% in April, signalling recovery despite weak consumption. Markets are eyeing the Trump-Xi meeting amid rising energy prices caused by geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Constellation Energy surpassed earnings forecasts due to AI demand, yet shares dipped. Investors await US CPI and further corporate reports to gauge global economic health.
US NFP data exceeds expectations; European equities retreat amid geopolitical instability
US stocks hit record highs as April’s 115,000 job gains doubled expectations, signalling labour market resilience. Conversely, European indices retreated due to fragile Middle East peace talks and looming July 4 tariff deadline from the US President Trump.
Court rejects Trump’s 10% global tariffs; Australia balance of trade hits multi-year low
The US Court of International Trade rejected Trump’s 10% global tariffs, favoring small businesses despite potential appeals. Simultaneously, Australia reported its first trade deficit since 2017 due to surging imports, while McDonald’s beat Q1 2026 earnings expectations.
US–Iran deal hopes lift equities and sink oil prices; ADP, Ivey PMI beat forecasts
A potential US–Iran peace agreement lifted equities and pushed oil lower as traders priced in less supply risk and softer inflation pressure. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 set fresh records, while Brent and WTI fell sharply. Stronger-than-expected ADP private payrolls and a robust Canadian Ivey PMI added to the data-driven backdrop.
Oil volatility surges amid Hormuz instability; RBA raises rates, ISM PMI expands
Oil prices have experienced heightened volatility amidst significant instability in the Middle Eastern region. Simultaneously, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased interest rates to 4.35% to mitigate energy-driven inflationary pressures. In the United States, the ISM Services PMI indicated continued expansion at 53.6, although the figure fell short of analyst forecasts.
Renewed Middle East tensions lift energy prices; Palantir tops forecasts
Escalating tensions in the Middle East have driven energy prices to levels not seen since 2022, as instability in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global supply chains. Concurrently, Palantir Technologies exceeded its Q1 2026 earnings forecasts, reporting significant triple-digit profit growth.
5 May 2026, 00:32