Market Update

Oil prices closed higher as traders positioned ahead of the U.S. holiday weekend, with lingering geopolitical tensions continuing to underpin sentiment. Caution over developments in the Middle East encouraged buying interest, even as the broader supply outlook limited the scope of gains.Modest Gains Keep Prices Near Recent HighsBrent crude ended …

President Donald Trump signaled fresh uncertainty over the future leadership of the Federal Reserve after expressing reluctance to nominate Kevin Hassett as the next central bank chair, a move that could significantly reshape the succession race.Speaking Friday, Trump suggested that keeping Hassett in his current role as head of the …

The US dollar struggled to find clear direction over the past week, caught between geopolitical tensions and domestic uncertainty that kept investors cautious. While President Donald Trump renewed warnings of potential military action against Iran—later softening his tone toward the end of the week—he stressed that all options remain open. …

U.S. equity futures traded tentatively ahead of the opening bell, reflecting investor unease as fresh bank earnings failed to provide clear reassurance and a heavier slate of reports looms. While futures pointed modestly higher, the tone remained fragile after early-week selloffs in major benchmarks, with only small-cap stocks showing convincing …

The Japanese yen strengthened on Friday, with USD/JPY slipping to 158.02, down 0.35%, as markets reacted to renewed signals that authorities are prepared to step in if volatility accelerates. The move reinforced expectations that policymakers may seek to steer the pair back toward a more controlled range, lending near-term support …

The U.S. dollar edged slightly lower on Friday, but remained on track for another weekly gain as stronger-than-expected American economic data reduced expectations of an early interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. By 04:05 ET (09:05 GMT), the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six …

Bitcoin edged lower in Asian trading on Friday, trimming part of this week’s rebound after U.S. lawmakers postponed debate on a closely watched bill aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell 0.5% to $95,808.5 by 01:06 ET (06:06 GMT). Bitcoin had climbed as …

Oil prices inched higher on Friday, supported by lingering supply concerns, even as the immediate threat of a U.S. military strike against Iran appeared to recede. Brent crude rose 50 cents, or 0.8%, to $64.26 a barrel by 10:00 GMT, putting it on track for a fourth consecutive weekly gain. …

Gold prices were largely steady on Friday, hovering just below the record highs reached earlier in the week, as stronger-than-expected U.S. labour data reduced expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, while easing geopolitical tensions around Iran curbed safe-haven demand. Spot gold slipped 0.1% to $4,608.55 an ounce by 02:11 …

European equities closed the week on a softer footing on Friday, with investors remaining cautious amid mounting geopolitical uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of Greenland and the stability of transatlantic alliances. By mid-morning in Europe, Germany’s DAX dipped 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 fell 0.2%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 eased …