UBS posts $2.8B Q2 net profit, in line with forecasts, with CEO Sergio Ermotti cautioning on geopolitical volatility while highlighting strong business momentum and a 'vibrant' IPO market.
Hong Kong's Templewater is targeting real estate, energy, and healthcare in Central Asia, aiming to connect Middle Eastern capital with the region. Chairman Cliff Zhang highlighted the need for investment diversification away from Western markets due to geopolitical volatility.
Oil prices surged Friday as US-Iran tensions flared, reversing earlier declines. US strikes on Iranian targets prompted accusations of ceasefire violations, escalating fears over the vital Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical volatility overshadows concerns about suspicious trading activity linked to policy announcements, impacting global energy supplies and inflation.
Bitcoin rose nearly 12% in April, marking its second positive month since September 2025, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated and on-chain demand metrics showed signs of contraction.
