Gold and silver prices have fallen sharply in June 2026 due to reduced safe-haven demand amid easing Iran-US tensions. Experts recommend existing investors avoid panic selling and new investors to invest gradually via SIPs in ETFs, allocating 10-15% to precious metals.
Russian forces advanced in Ukraine, liberating settlements. Trump threatened new duties on Thailand and Cambodia, and Iran with "hell." Tensions escalated between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with potential meetings and military actions reported. Other news includes BRICS expansion, Roscosmos inviting NASA chief, and concerns over nuclear proliferation.
Iran declares ceasefire 'meaningless' after US strikes military sites. Tehran retaliates with drone and missile attacks on bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, and announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions and impacting oil prices.
Iran's navy fired warning shots at US warships in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the US of harassing maritime traffic. Meanwhile, the US imposed new Iran-related sanctions, and Israel struck southern Lebanon after Hezbollah rejected a ceasefire, leading to evacuations and casualties.
Asia-Pacific markets are expected to open lower, mirroring Wall Street's decline, as elevated oil prices due to Iran-US tensions fuel inflation concerns. Israel and the US are prepared to strike Iran again if necessary.
News highlights include Iran's President Pezeshkian challenging the US on dialogue, Russia imposing retaliatory sanctions on UK citizens, and advancements in Russian heavy combat drone technology. The US struck an empty oil tanker near Iran, while Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran.
Turkish President Erdogan warned against attempts to destabilize Turkey amid internal opposition party conflicts and rising Iran-US tensions. He emphasized unity and addressing critical issues like the 'Turkey free of terrorism' path. Meanwhile, Iran and the US exchanged threats and conducted military actions in the Persian Gulf, escalating regional instability.
Kuwait International Airport's Terminal 1 was struck by drones, leading India's IndiGo airline to suspend flights until June 4, 2026. Kuwait's airspace was closed, causing widespread flight disruptions.
Asia-Pacific markets are expected to open mixed as volatile oil prices and uncertainty over Iran-US negotiations impact investor sentiment. Tensions have escalated with claims of Iran mining the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route.
News highlights include Iran's hardline stance post-Khamenei's death, potential resumption of Israeli strikes on Beirut, and Russia's growing role in African security and trade. Concerns rise over the Strait of Hormuz closure potentially triggering a global financial crisis.
The spread between Italian BTPs and German Bunds widened further due to renewed tensions between Iran and the US, leading Iran to halt negotiations. The Italian 10-year yield rose by 11 basis points to 3.76%.
Germany's economy unexpectedly grew by 0.3% in Q1, driven by consumption and defense spending. Oil prices rose due to ongoing Iran-US tensions and Strait of Hormuz shipping concerns. Tech stocks rallied in Asia, particularly in AI and semiconductors, with Softbank Group leading gains.
Middle East Eye reports Trump postponed a large-scale attack on Iran's energy infrastructure due to Saudi warnings about Hajj safety. Diplomatic efforts continue, with reports of a 9-point agreement and Iran's leader ordering enriched uranium not to be sent abroad.
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to mines, attacks, and insurance issues, despite a ceasefire. NATO considers escorting ships, while Iran offers Bitcoin-based insurance. Traffic has seen a slight uptick, but risks persist.
European stock markets opened with losses due to rising tensions between Iran and the United States. Paris, Frankfurt, and London all saw declines in their main indices.
South Korean stocks rose Monday to hit a fresh record following their strongest monthly gain in April, as investors weighed tensions between Iran and the US and a US plan to reopen shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Dubbed 'Project Freedom,' the US effort includes guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members. Oil prices fell following the announcement, with WTI futures down 0.59% to $101.34 per barrel.
Indian markets fell for the third consecutive day, with Sensex and Nifty dropping over 1% each. The decline was driven by escalating Iran-US tensions, rising oil prices, a weakening rupee, and poor earnings from IT major Infosys.
Oil prices slipped slightly on Thursday after strong gains the previous session, as investors weighed stalled peace talks between Iran and the United States and ongoing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude fell 15 cents to $101.76 a barrel, while WTI slipped 14 cents to $92.82. Both benchmarks had surged over $3 on Wednesday driven by a draw in US fuel inventories and uncertainty over US-Iran diplomatic progress. Iran seized two ships in the strait, tightening control over the critical waterway that handles around 20% of global oil and LNG flows.
Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed Tuesday as investors weighed hopes for Middle East conflict resolution against rising Iran-US tensions. South Korea's Kospi jumped 2.11%, Japan's Nikkei gained 1.15%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.24%. Oil prices fell over 1% on demand concerns. Iran's parliament speaker rejected negotiations under threats, warning of new battlefield cards as a US deadline looms.
