International News

Asian equities ended Friday on a cautious note after renewed US-Iran hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz reignited oil supply fears. Brent crude climbed back above $101, raising concerns for India’s inflation, current account deficit, and rupee stability. China’s markets remained resilient with a fifth straight weekly gain driven by AI and semiconductor stocks, while Hong Kong posted its strongest growth in nearly five years. Japan’s automakers faced mounting tariff pressure as Toyota’s profit plunged 49%, highlighting broader stress across Asian manufacturing.

Global equity markets traded with a strong risk-on tone as diplomatic progress surrounding Iran and renewed US-China engagement improved investor confidence across Asia. Japan’s Nikkei posted a historic rally, technology stocks led gains in China and Hong Kong, and South Korea continued benefiting from AI-driven semiconductor optimism following Samsung’s $1 trillion milestone. Indian equities remained range-bound as investors monitored crude oil trends, geopolitical developments, and the broader implications of shifting global trade and payments infrastructure.

Global equities rally to record highs driven by US-Iran peace deal optimism, sharp crude oil decline, and strong tech earnings from AMD, Disney, and Arm Holdings. The update also highlights positive implications for India’s macroeconomy, IT sector, and interest rate outlook.

All three major indices bounced back on May 5, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closing at fresh all-time highs. The rally was driven by easing oil prices and a strong run of corporate earnings, with around 85% of S&P 500 companies that have reported so far delivering a beat.

Brent crude futures were up 7 cents, or 0.1%, at $76.71 per barrel. At $72.79., U.S. crude futures increased 17 cents, or 0.2%.

U.S. crude prices were up 4 cents, or 0.1%, at $73.81 a barrel, while Brent crude futures had down 2 cents to $77.47 a barrel.