US stock market races toward record highs on Middle East de-escalation rumors

Global markets are exhibiting strong positive momentum, pushing the S&P 500 to new record levels. The main catalyst for optimism was emerging coverage about a potential easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Against this backdrop, the market caps of the largest technology megacaps increased by record amounts, providing the bulk of the broad market's gains.

Investors prefer to maintain a buying bias and to downplay Tehran's tough statements denying any direct talks with Washington. The market is clearly pricing in a soft resolution to the conflict, but the high sensitivity of prices to geopolitical headlines keeps the risk of abrupt reversals intact. Follow the link for more details.

Strong manufacturing data and Palantir surge push S&P 500 and Nasdaq higher

The uptrend on Wall Street received additional support from fresh macro data showing a solid rise in US manufacturing activity. Combined with lower oil prices, this eased investor concerns about inflationary pressure and created a favorable backdrop for a continued rally in major equity indices.

The main driver in the tech sector was Palantir Technologies, whose stock jumped by 14% on the back of strong operational results. The combination of positive corporate reports and robust macro data forms a sound basis for further gains in US equities, which are easier to trade with InstaForex. Follow the link for more details.

Asian stock indices fell despite optimistic US rally

The trading session in the Asia-Pacific region ended mixed-to-negative, with negative sentiment predominating. Key regional benchmarks, including South Korea's KOSPI and Japan's Nikkei 225, finished lower, completely ignoring the firm gains in Wall Street's major indices from the previous session.

Investor caution is driven by growing uncertainty over the returns on investment in artificial intelligence and by risks of a shift in global semiconductor demand. A reassessment of expectations for leading chipmakers is forcing local players to cut exposure to technology names until order trends become clearer. Follow the link for more details.

WTI crude pause amid uncertainty over US–Iran diplomatic progress

WTI crude has entered a consolidation phase, influenced by conflicting geopolitical drivers and technical corrections. Traders are taking a wait-and-see approach as they assess the odds of diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran — an outcome that could materially rewrite the supply balance in the global commodity market.

For now, prices are pinched between key support and resistance levels. A break out of this range will likely determine the next directional move. Follow the link for more details.

Iran-Oman consultations on Strait of Hormuz shipping security coincide with US talks on AI regulation

Iran and Oman have launched active talks aimed at restoring safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A potential normalization of tanker traffic in this strategic artery is crucial for global economic stability, as it would reduce the risk of disruptions to hydrocarbon supplies.

At the same time, as diplomatic processes unfold in the Middle East, the US has stepped up discussions on an AI regulatory framework. Authorities are consulting with leaders of major tech firms to strike a balance between risk control and preserving the pace of innovation. Follow the link for more details.