Investors are heading into a critical week for U.S. markets, with upcoming inflation data and early corporate earnings expected to provide the first clear signals of how the Middle East conflict is impacting the economy and corporate performance. Markets Seek Direction After Volatile Quarter The S&P 500 ended the shortened …

Donald Trump warned of a significant escalation in military operations against Iran, indicating that key infrastructure—including bridges and power plants—could become targets in the coming phase of the conflict. In a late-night statement, Trump suggested that U.S. forces had yet to fully engage remaining targets, signaling a potential expansion of …

Microsoft is planning a major expansion in Japan, committing approximately $10 billion through 2029 to build out data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, as demand for local data processing and sovereignty accelerates. Strategic Push for AI and Data Sovereignty The investment will focus on developing domestic AI infrastructure linked to …

The Bank of Japan signaled it will continue raising interest rates if economic conditions evolve as expected, reinforcing a tightening stance even as rising fuel costs begin to weigh on business sentiment. Rate Hike Path Remains Intact Koji Nakamura, a senior official overseeing monetary policy, said the central bank is …

The U.S. dollar rallied sharply on Thursday as investors rushed into safe-haven assets following renewed escalation signals in the Middle East, which triggered a broad selloff in risk-sensitive markets. The dollar index climbed 0.68% to 100.24, marking its strongest daily gain since mid-March and reversing recent losses that had been …

New applications for U.S. unemployment benefits declined last week, pointing to continued stability in the labor market, even as broader economic risks tied to geopolitical tensions remain in focus. According to the US Department of Labor, initial jobless claims fell by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 202,000 for the week …

Gold prices fell on Thursday, snapping a four-session winning streak as renewed geopolitical tensions and a stronger U.S. dollar weighed heavily on the precious metal. Spot gold declined 2.6% to $4,637.25 per ounce as of 03:41 ET (07:41 GMT), after earlier rising to a session high of $4,800.58. U.S. gold …

Bitcoin declined sharply on Thursday, tracking broader losses across cryptocurrencies and global risk assets after renewed escalation signals in the Middle East dampened investor sentiment. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell 2.9% to $66,465.7 as of 01:29 ET (05:29 GMT), extending losses after a moderately positive start to April. Despite the …

European stocks opened sharply lower on Thursday, as renewed escalation signals in the Middle East erased hopes of a near-term ceasefire and pushed oil prices higher. By 03:10 ET (07:10 GMT), the STOXX 600 dropped 1.2%, while Germany’s DAX fell 1.5%. France’s CAC 40 declined 1.2%, and the UK’s FTSE …

U.S. stock index futures dropped sharply on Wednesday evening after Donald Trump signaled a major escalation in military operations against Iran, dampening earlier optimism around a potential de-escalation in the conflict. By 21:40 ET (01:40 GMT), S&P 500 futures fell 0.8% to 6,566.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures declined 1% …