Financial Market Newsletter

USD/JPY continued to rise above 160,09 on Thursday, prompting warnings from the Japanese Government about the possibility of another foreign-exchange intervention following its most recent action on 30/4.

The U.S Government is proposing new tariffs of at least 10% on many of its trading partners, citing concerns related to the protection of workers subjected to forced labor.

Inflation in the euro area continued to rise, paving the way for a possible interest-rate increase by the European Central Bank next week.

U.S manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in 4 years in May, driven by stronger new orders and higher output.

China’s manufacturing activity slowed in May due to disruptions from the five-day holiday, combined with pressure on global demand and rising input costs caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The U.S Commerce Department said on Thursday that the world’s largest economy grew by 1,6% in the first quarter of 2026, down from the previously reported 2%.

Global gold prices have fallen for a second consecutive day, as the lack of new progress in peace talks between the U.S and Iran continues to weigh on interest-rate expectations.

U.S consumer confidence edged lower in May as prices continued to rise amid the war in Iran.

Prospects for a viable peace agreement between the US and Iran sent global oil prices lower while equity markets rallied on Monday.