Trade

Donald Trump has asked aides to prepare for an extended Iran blockade, raising Strait of Hormuz tensions and pressure on oil trade markets.

While some markets like South Korea and Taiwan are tied to the AI boom, Yardeni sees India as a standout — albeit one currently constrained by high oil prices.

Under the Iranian proposal, talks on Tehran's nuclear activities would be deferred until the war formally ends and disputes over shipping in the Persian Gulf are resolved, the officials said.

Fuel prices in India depend on several factors, with global crude oil prices being the most significant as crude is the primary raw material used to produce petrol and diesel.

Brent crude for June settlement was unchanged at $108.23 a barrel, with the more active July contract at $101.95, while WTI for June delivery rose 0.3% to $96.65.

India and New Zealand signed a landmark FTA, providing 100% duty-free access for Indian exports. The pact aims to unlock $20 billion in investment and boost labor-intensive sectors.

Tehran buys time with floating storage as export chokehold pushes oil system to the brink

The decision is likely to send a chill through China's burgeoning AI sector, and emerged mere weeks before a high-profile summit between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping.

Fuel prices in India depend on several factors, with global crude oil prices being the most significant as crude is the primary raw material used to produce petrol and diesel.

The calculus initially appeared to work. Iran considered pausing sending shipments through so as not to test US warships and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later announced that the country would open the strait. But Trump made no move to lift his own blockade — angering key groups in Tehran.

Panama Canal transit costs have surged as shipping firms pay millions for faster passage amid Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Avis Budget Group's stock surged 600% in a short squeeze before plummeting nearly 70 percent over two days, wiping out most gains amid speculation of a stock sale.

The move comes at a time when the energy market continues to see heightened volatility due to the closure of Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude for June settlement rose 1.1% to $106.20 a barrel, pushing weekly gains to about 17%, while WTI for June delivery climbed 0.96% to $96.77, holding near the $97 mark.

Stocks hit record highs as hopes rise for US-Iran talks with envoys heading to Pakistan and a positive Intel forecast boosting market sentiment amid easing Fed uncertainties.

The Bank of England warns global stock markets may fall as current valuations overlook significant economic risks and vulnerabilities, signaling a potential market adjustment.

A rally in the S&P 500 paused, with the index dropping as much as 1.3% before paring its decline

US tariffs cost the company 860 billion won in the quarter, while raw material price hikes fueled by the Iran war added more than 200 billion won

Roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies typically transit the strait, and prolonged closures have sharply constrained energy flows.

US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire agreed earlier this month would remain in place indefinitely, as Washington awaits a fresh proposal from Iran.