United News of Bangladesh

Asian stock markets posted strong gains on Friday while oil prices fell after US President Donald Trump said progress had been made in efforts to end the Iran war, boosting investor confidence across global markets. US stock futures also moved slightly higher following sharp gains on Wall Street. South Korea's Kospi index surged 7.8 percent to 8,370.82, recovering much of the losses linked to recent sell-offs in artificial intelligence-related stocks. The benchmark index has nearly doubled over the past six months, though it remains below its record closing high reached on June 2. Shares of Samsung Electronics jumped 11.2 percent, while chipmaker SK Hynix gained 7.2 percent. Japan's Nikkei 225 advanced 3.5 percent to 66,442.95, led by technology stocks. SoftBank Group rose 2 percent and semiconductor equipment manufacturer Tokyo Electron soared 10.3 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 1.8 percent to 24,689.32, while China's Shanghai Composite gained 1.6 percent to 4,050.51. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.9 percent to 8,798.10. Taiwan's Taiex added 2.6 percent and India's Sensex increased 1.2 percent. Investor sentiment improved after Trump said on Thursday that he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran and claimed the United States had reached a significant understanding to end the conflict. He also suggested that an extension of the fragile ceasefire between the two sides could be agreed within days, although he provided few details. Markets had come under pressure earlier this week as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified. Rising oil prices have fueled inflation concerns worldwide, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments, remained largely closed. Analysts at ING said there appeared to be more encouraging signs surrounding a possible agreement this time, although they cautioned that any ceasefire extension remained uncertain and could still prove fragile. Oil prices retreated as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough increased. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 1.7 percent to $88.87 per barrel, while US benchmark crude dropped 1.6 percent to $86.33 per barrel. Both remained significantly above pre-war levels of around $70 a barrel. On Thursday, Wall Street recorded broad-based gains. The S&P 500 rose 1.8 percent to 7,394.30, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.9 percent to 50,848.75, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.5 percent to 25,809.66. Technology and AI-related stocks have experienced heightened volatility in recent days amid concerns that rapid share price increases and heavy investment spending could signal a market bubble. Marvell Technology jumped 11.1 percent, while Oracle fell 8.5 percent despite reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, as investors worried about its growing spending commitments. Investors were also watching the highly anticipated Wall Street debut of SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, which is expected to become the largest initial public offering on record with plans to raise about $75 billion. In currency trading, the US dollar strengthened to 160.22 Japanese yen from 159.93 yen, while the euro slipped slightly to $1.1574 from $1.1578.

Asian stock markets fell on Thursday as tensions rose following fresh US military strikes on Iran, which Washington described as defensive actions. At the same time, oil prices climbed by more than $2 per barrel after dropping sharply in the previous session, while US futures also edged lower. US officials said Central Command forces shot down four Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. They also struck a drone control facility in Bandar Abbas that was preparing to launch another drone. These strikes came after earlier military actions earlier in the week. US President Donald Trump said Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and insisted that upcoming US elections would not influence his approach to ending the ongoing conflict, now in its third month. Asian markets under pressure In early trading, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.4%, while South Korea’s Kospi also dropped 0.4%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 1.4%, and China’s Shanghai Composite edged up slightly by 0.1%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 1.4%, while Taiwan’s main index also recorded losses. Analysts said uncertainty around US–Iran negotiations and the fragile ceasefire continued to weigh on investor confidence. “Markets remain cautious as it is still unclear whether a lasting deal can be reached,” said Tan Boon Heng of Mizuho Bank. He added that while both sides appear to avoid escalating tensions publicly, major disagreements remain unresolved. Oil prices rebound Oil prices, which had dropped sharply earlier in the week, rose again on renewed concerns over supply risks in the Middle East. Brent crude gained more than $2 to around $94 per barrel in early trading, while US crude also moved higher. Earlier, oil had fallen after hopes that a ceasefire between the US and Iran might hold, easing fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route. Wall Street at record highs On Wednesday, US stock markets had closed slightly higher, with all three major indexes — the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq — reaching record levels. Shares of airlines and cruise companies rose as falling oil prices earlier in the week boosted expectations of lower fuel costs. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns, strong corporate earnings have helped support market gains. Currency movements In currency trading, the US dollar held steady against the Japanese yen, while the euro slipped slightly.

Asian stock markets mostly fell on Monday while oil prices surged after US President Donald Trump warned that “the clock is ticking” for Iran as efforts to reach a lasting agreement to end the conflict remain stalled. US stock futures also moved lower, with major indexes losing more than 0.6 percent. Japan and South Korea pulled back further after recent record highs. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.9 percent to 60,843.09, led by losses in technology shares. The index had touched a record intraday high above 63,000 last week. The yield on Japan’s 10-year government bond rose to 2.8 percent, its highest level since the late 1990s, as the Bank of Japan gradually raises interest rates and higher energy prices fuel inflation concerns. In South Korea, the Kospi gained 0.9 percent to 7,558.50 after recovering from earlier losses. The index had crossed 8,000 on Friday, driven by strong demand for technology stocks linked to the artificial intelligence boom, before easing on profit-taking. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.6 percent to 25,543.32, while China’s Shanghai Composite slipped 0.1 percent to 4,132.24 after weaker-than-expected retail sales data for April. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 1.4 percent to 8,508.40. Taiwan’s Taiex declined 1.1 percent, and India’s Sensex was down 0.6 percent. Oil prices climbed sharply after Trump said in a social media post that Iran should act quickly or “there won’t be anything left of them,” following a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Investors remain cautious because of uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments. The waterway remains largely closed, while the US has maintained a maritime blockade on Iranian ports since last month. Tensions increased further after a weekend drone attack on a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1.9 percent to $111.31 per barrel. US benchmark crude gained 2.3 percent to $107.83 per barrel. Oil had been trading near $70 a barrel in late February before the conflict began. Analysts at ING Group said the risk of renewed escalation is increasing, despite some improvement in shipping activity around the Strait of Hormuz. The oil market is also reacting to the lack of progress following last week’s summit in Beijing between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House said both countries agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. Washington had hoped Beijing could use its close economic ties with Tehran to help broker a peace deal. In the bond market, the yield on the US 10-year Treasury note rose to about 4.63 percent, up from 4.47 percent last Thursday and nearly 4 percent before the conflict began. On Friday, the benchmark S&P 500 fell 1.2 percent from the record high it set a day earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.1 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 1.5 percent. In currency trading, the US dollar rose to 159.02 Japanese yen from 158.62 yen. The euro edged up to $1.1626 from $1.1622.  

World stock markets rose on Thursday amid growing optimism that a potential US–Iran agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow oil shipments to resume, while Brent crude prices remained just above the $100 mark. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged nearly 6% to a record high, with the index jumping more than 3,300 points to 63,086.00 after trading resumed following the “Golden Week” holiday. The rally was driven largely by strong gains in technology and semiconductor stocks. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7%, while South Korea’s the kospi climbed 1.4% to another record close. Taiwan’s Taiex also advanced 1.9%, boosted by gains in major chipmaker TSMC. European markets showed mixed trends, with Germany’s DAX edging higher and France’s CAC 40 posting slight gains, while Britain’s FTSE 100 slipped. Investor sentiment improved after reports that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal that could ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The prospect lifted Wall Street on Wednesday, with US stocks posting strong gains and oil prices falling sharply. However, crude oil remained volatile. Brent crude traded around $100 per barrel on Thursday after fluctuating in early Asian trading, reflecting continued uncertainty over supply disruptions linked to the conflict and US military pressure on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global energy shipments, has been at the centre of tensions amid the ongoing war, which has disrupted tanker movement and contributed to inflationary pressure worldwide. US markets had previously rallied after comments suggesting the waterway could reopen under a potential agreement, while strong corporate earnings from major technology firms also supported investor confidence. Currency markets showed limited movement, with the US dollar trading slightly lower against the Japanese yen and the euro edging higher.  

Brent crude oil prices climbed sharply to around $123 a barrel on Thursday as worries over the Iran war and stalled U.S.-Iran talks fuelled concerns about global supply disruptions and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude for June delivery rose 4.1% to $122.88 after briefly crossing $125 per barrel, while July contracts gained 2.5% to $113.17. U.S. crude also increased 2% to $109.05 a barrel. Before the conflict began in late February, Brent was trading near $70. The war has blocked a clear path to peace, with continued U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz remaining shut, keeping oil markets under pressure. New reports suggesting possible further escalation by U.S. President Donald Trump also weakened hopes for a quick resolution. Analysts said the breakdown in talks has dampened expectations of a restart in oil flows. “The breakdown of talks between the U.S. and Iran, along with President Trump reportedly rejecting Iran’s proposal for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has the market losing hope for any quick resumption in oil flows,” ING Bank strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said in a note. Oil prices have also moved close to their highest levels since 2008, when Brent hit $147.50 a barrel during the global financial crisis. In currency markets, the U.S. dollar strengthened further, reaching 160.61 Japanese yen, its highest level in nearly two years. It later closed at 160.44 yen. The euro slipped slightly to $1.1671. The dollar has benefited from its safe-haven status during global uncertainty and from relatively high U.S. interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s decision to keep rates unchanged on Wednesday also supported the currency. Analysts said Japanese authorities could step in if the yen weakens further. Global stock markets also declined. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1% to 59,284.92, South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.4% to 6,598.87, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.1% to 25,816.80. Shanghai’s Composite index edged up 0.2% to 4,113.88. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.2%, while Taiwan’s Taiex and India’s Sensex each fell about 1%. On Wall Street, U.S. futures and shares were mostly lower after a mixed session on Wednesday. The S&P 500 edged down less than 0.1%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%, while the Nasdaq posted a slight gain. Despite the broader weakness, some companies posted strong gains, with Starbucks rising 8.4% and Visa up 8.3% after better-than-expected earnings.

Stock markets across Asia fell on Tuesday while oil prices climbed, as efforts to end the Iran war appeared to lose momentum again. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, disrupting a key route for global oil supplies. Many Asian economies, especially resource-dependent Japan, rely heavily on this passage for energy imports. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped 1.1% to 59,884.12 after the central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 0.75%. The Bank of Japan said the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace but warned of a likely slowdown as rising oil and commodity prices linked to the war increase costs. The decision by its policy board was split 6-3, reflecting differing views among members. Pressure has been building for Japan to gradually raise interest rates after years of keeping them near zero to tackle deflation. “There are various risks to the outlook,” the central bank said, noting that developments in the Middle East remain a key concern. Elsewhere in the region, South Korea’s Kospi rose 1% to 6,683.10. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7% to 25,751.04, while China’s Shanghai Composite declined 0.2% to 4,078.77. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.6% to 8,717.80. Oil prices continued to rise. Brent crude for June delivery increased by $1.11 to $109.34 per barrel. The more actively traded July contract rose $1.08 to $102.77. Before the war, Brent was trading near $70 per barrel but has at times surged close to $120. U.S. benchmark crude also rose 96 cents to $97.33 per barrel. Investors are now awaiting interest rate decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England later this week. On Monday, U.S. markets showed modest gains. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% to a record high of 7,137.91, following weeks of strong performance driven by solid corporate earnings and hopes that the global economy can withstand the impact of the war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1% to 49,167.79, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Market attention is also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Apple. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields rose slightly alongside oil prices. The yield on the 10-year Treasury increased to 4.33% from 4.31% late Friday. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar weakened slightly to 159.04 Japanese yen from 159.42 yen, while the euro dipped to $1.1716 from $1.1720.

Asian stock markets showed mixed performance on Monday, while oil prices jumped sharply as uncertainty continued over talks to end tensions involving Iran. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 hit a new record, rising 1.4% to close at 60,481.21 after touching an intraday high. South Korea’s Kospi also gained 2%. However, markets in Hong Kong and mainland China were less upbeat. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.3%, while the Shanghai Composite edged up slightly. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.3%. Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 1.8%, supported by strong demand for technology stocks driven by the growth of artificial intelligence. India’s Sensex also rose 0.4%. Oil prices surged as negotiations related to Iran faced setbacks. The White House canceled plans to send officials for further talks, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying discussions could continue remotely instead. Brent crude increased by $2 to $101.13 per barrel, while U.S. crude rose to $96.24. Investors are also watching closely as major central banks, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan and Bank of England, prepare to announce interest rate decisions this week. On Wall Street, markets ended last week on a strong note. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to a record close, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.6% to a new high, helped by gains in technology shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped slightly. A survey by the University of Michigan showed consumer confidence weakened in April, though it improved slightly after a ceasefire in the Iran conflict was announced earlier. Despite hopes for stability, tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns in global markets. Meanwhile, tech giant Intel saw its shares surge after strong earnings, driven by rising demand for AI-related products. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar weakened slightly against the Japanese yen, while the euro gained ground.

Global stock markets moved higher on Tuesday, with Wall Street also set to open stronger, while oil prices remained mostly unchanged amid ongoing uncertainty over talks between the United States and Iran. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.4% before trading began, while Dow Jones futures gained 0.6%. Nasdaq futures also edged up 0.4%. In the oil market, US benchmark crude slipped 14 cents to $87.28 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 47 cents to $95.01 per barrel. The conflict involving Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply daily, pushing energy prices higher in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to allow safe passage through the strait and has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. However, Iran has taken a firm stance, refusing to negotiate under pressure. Iran’s chief negotiator and parliamentary speaker, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, said in a social media post that Tehran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats.” Despite this, Trump said he still plans to send a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad for discussions. However, Iran has indicated it will not participate unless the US softens its position. Trump also signalled that extending the current ceasefire, which expires Wednesday, is “highly unlikely.” Analysts say the situation remains fragile, with both sides facing pressure to reach an agreement before the truce ends. Even so, oil prices remain below earlier highs, when Brent crude had surged to $119 per barrel at the peak of tensions. The S&P 500 is also still trading above its pre-conflict level. In corporate news, Apple shares were little changed after the company announced that CEO Tim Cook will step down on Sept. 1, handing over the role to John Ternus. Cook will continue as executive chairman after leading the company for 15 years. Shares of UnitedHealth Group jumped more than 7% in premarket trading after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and raised its full-year profit forecast. Investors are also watching developments in Washington, where Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chair, is set to appear before the Senate Banking Committee. He is expected to face tough questions, particularly from Democrats over his financial disclosures. In Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.6%, while France’s CAC 40 added 0.2%. Britain’s FTSE 100 remained unchanged. Asian markets also closed higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.9%, supported by gains in technology stocks. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.7%, while Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.8%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 0.5% and Shanghai’s Composite index edged up 0.1%. However, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped slightly by less than 0.1%.

Asian stock markets mostly moved higher on Wednesday, following a strong rally on Wall Street as oil prices declined amid hopes that the United States and Iran may resume talks to end their conflict. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.4% in afternoon trading to 58,122.52. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was nearly unchanged, edging up less than 0.1% to 8,978.70. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.1% to 6,092.77. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.4% to 25,980.69, while China’s Shanghai Composite slipped slightly by less than 0.1% to 4,023.40. On Wall Street, stocks closed higher, extending gains from the previous session. The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% and is now just 0.2% below its record high set in January. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 317 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq composite surged 2%. In the oil market, U.S. benchmark crude fell 58 cents to $90.70 per barrel. Brent crude edged up 7 cents to $94.86 after dropping sharply by 4.6% a day earlier. Although prices remain above pre-war levels of around $70, they are well below the peak of $119 reached earlier. Lower oil prices help reduce costs for businesses, but analysts cautioned that the ongoing conflict still poses risks. Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said the drop in oil prices reflects growing expectations that Washington and Tehran could restart negotiations after earlier talks failed. He noted that traders appear to be focusing on the possibility of easing tensions rather than current supply concerns. Asian economies remain heavily reliant on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for crude exports from the Persian Gulf. Any disruption there can tighten global supply and push prices higher. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund said global inflation is expected to rise to 4.4% this year from 4.1% in 2025, revising its earlier forecast of a slowdown to 3.8%. The IMF also lowered its global growth outlook to 3.1% from the 3.3% projected in January. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 81.14 points to 6,967.38, the Dow rose 317.74 to 48,535.99, and the Nasdaq added 455.35 to 23,639.08. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields declined as easing oil prices reduced inflation concerns. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.25% from 4.30%. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened slightly to 158.95 Japanese yen from 158.79 yen, while the euro slipped to $1.1790 from $1.1797.

Oil prices rose in early market trading Sunday after the U.S. said it would blockade Iranian ports beginning Monday. The price of U.S. crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29. Brent crude has swung dramatically during the Iran war, rising from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. On Friday, ahead of the peace talks, Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel. Iran has been effectively controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping. U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations” entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Around a fifth of the world’s traded oil typically flows through the Strait of Hormuz every day. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran are all major exporters. Traffic in the strait has been limited even in the days since the ceasefire. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire. Claudio Galimberti, chief economist of Rystad Energy, said the blockade will raise prices but might move the needle on talks.