Asian stocks surge and oil falls after US-Iran deal confirmation
Asian equity markets rose sharply on Monday after Washington and Tehran confirmed a deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The move came as investors reacted to the prospect of lower geopolitical risk to energy supplies and a possible easing of pressure on global inflation. Brent crude fell in response, while US stock futures also moved higher.Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark index rose 5.5% in morning trading, while South Korea's Kospi climbed as much as 5.7%. Taiwan's Taiex gained as much as 2.7%, and Australia's ASX200 rose about 1.5%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index was up... [Continue Reading]
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Why the price of gold is trending down amid war-driven inflation
Gold prices have come under pressure as the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has pushed up inflation and kept interest-rate expectations elevated. The metal fell from a high of $5,303 per troy ounce on 28 January to $4,235 on Friday, according to the supplied report. The decline comes despite gold's usual role as a safe-haven asset during periods of geopolitical stress.The report says the conflict has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas shipments, since the start of the war. That has helped drive energy prices higher, feeding into inflation... [Continue Reading]
UAE to unlock frozen Iranian funds amid US ceasefire push
The United Arab Emirates has agreed to unlock billions of dollars linked to Iran, according to people familiar with the arrangement, in a move tied to efforts to reduce tensions and support wider ceasefire talks involving Tehran and Washington. The reported step comes after weeks of Iranian attacks on the Gulf state and as negotiations over the broader conflict enter what diplomats describe as a final stage. The funds are said to be connected to long-frozen Iranian oil revenues held in foreign banks under US sanctions.Two regional sources said the UAE had agreed to release a total of $10bn, with... [Continue Reading]
Israeli cabinet weighs new funding for West Bank settlement expansion
Israel has set aside an initial 152 million shekels for planning work linked to settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank, according to an anti-settlement group. The group said the money is part of a wider funding push that could eventually reach 1 billion shekels, but that the larger allocation has been delayed for further cabinet consideration. The reported plan would support infrastructure and public buildings in settlements that are already regarded as illegal under international law.Peace Now said the first tranche covers planning for 69 settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank. It said the cabinet postponed... [Continue Reading]
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World Bank cuts 2026 growth forecast as Strait of Hormuz closure raises energy shock fears
The World Bank has cut its forecast for global growth in 2026 after warning that the conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel is putting pressure on energy markets and supply chains. In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, the Washington-based institution said Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has added to the risk of a wider economic slowdown. The report said the strategic waterway, a key route for oil and gas transit, is under strain as a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is tested.The bank lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5% from... [Continue Reading]
UK and allies expand sanctions over West Bank settler violence
The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and Norway have announced coordinated sanctions targeting networks linked to settler violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The measures were unveiled on 9 June 2026 and include entity designations, travel bans and other restrictions on people and groups accused of financing or carrying out attacks. France also imposed travel bans on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, three settler leaders and 21 settlers.The UK said it had targeted six entities and one individual, while the wider package was presented as a joint response by the six governments. The action was aimed at what... [Continue Reading]
EU proposes new sanctions package targeting Russian soldiers, banks and oil revenues
The European Commission has proposed a fresh sanctions package against Russia that would, for the first time, bar anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the war from entering the European Union. The measures also target banks, crypto firms, shadow-fleet vessels and Kremlin oil revenues. The proposal was announced in Brussels on Tuesday and now needs unanimous approval from the EU's 27 member states.European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc was seeking to make Europe "off limit" for anyone who had taken part in the invasion of Ukraine. She said the... [Continue Reading]

