The U.S. dollar strengthened on Friday, supported by mounting concerns that the ongoing war involving Iran could trigger a surge in energy-driven inflation and influence global monetary policy. By 05:26 ET (09:26 GMT), the U.S. Dollar Index—which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies—rose 0.4% to 100.13. Meanwhile, …

The UK economy recorded no growth in January 2026, missing expectations for a modest expansion and raising concerns about its resilience ahead of a potential surge in energy costs linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. Data released Friday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that gross domestic …

Oil prices slipped modestly in Asian trading on Friday but pared most of their earlier losses, as persistent concerns over supply disruptions from the ongoing U.S.–Israel war with Iran continued to support the market. Brent crude futures for May fell 0.1% to $100.34 per barrel by 02:17 ET (06:17 GMT), …

Gold prices rose in Asian trading on Friday, but the precious metal remained on track for a second consecutive weekly decline as concerns over energy-driven inflation from the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran continued to weigh on sentiment. By 01:14 ET (05:14 GMT), spot gold gained 0.6% to $5,109.46 per ounce, …

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits edged lower last week, offering some reassurance that the U.S. labor market remains relatively stable despite recent signs of slowing job growth. According to data released by the Labor Department on Thursday, initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell by …

U.S. stock index futures moved lower on Thursday as a surge in oil prices and growing disruption to global shipping routes fueled investor caution. By 06:38 ET (10:38 GMT), Dow Jones futures fell 251 points (0.5%), while S&P 500 futures declined 28 points (0.4%) and Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 92 …

European stocks edged lower at the start of trading on Thursday as oil prices briefly surged above $100 per barrel, driven by ongoing disruptions to shipping routes linked to the conflict involving Iran. By 04:04 ET (08:04 GMT), the pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.4%, while Germany’s DAX declined 0.2%, …

Gold prices declined in Asian trading on Thursday, returning to a trading range seen over the past week as escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran boosted the U.S. dollar and oil prices, limiting the metal’s upside. By 01:33 ET (05:33 GMT), spot gold fell 0.6% to $5,147.05 …

Oil prices jumped sharply in Asian trading on Thursday, briefly climbing above the key $100 per barrel level as escalating disruptions to global energy supplies fueled market anxiety during the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. By 01:03 ET (05:03 GMT), Brent crude futures rose 7.6% to $99.00 per barrel, while …

U.S. consumer prices rose in line with expectations in February, suggesting inflation pressures remained relatively stable despite ongoing economic uncertainty. According to data released by the U.S. Labor Department on Wednesday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 2.4% year-on-year in February, matching both the previous month’s reading and economists’ forecasts. …