Market news
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Silver Declines 2.37% Amid Middle East Tensions and Fed Uncertainty
Silver (XAG/USD) fell 2.37% on Monday to around $57.75 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over Federal Reserve policy weighed on the precious metal.
Global Fiber Optic Shortage Drives Prices Up 500%
A global shortage of optical fiber has pushed prices up by 500%, driven by massive AI cluster construction and military cable destruction. China dominates production while the West struggles to keep up.
Covered Bond Issuance Rises 21.2% in First Half of 2026
The covered bond primary market reached EUR 121.7bn in issuance during the first half of 2026, up 21.2% year-over-year, driven by large benchmark and dual-tranche transactions. CEE issuers surged 94%, while ESG issuance gained clear momentum.
US indices open higher: S&P 500 +0.43%, Dow +0.29%
US stock markets opened higher with the S&P 500 rising 0.43%, the Dow Jones gaining 0.29%, and the Nasdaq up 0.74%.
Kevin Warsh's quiet appearance in Sintra could move markets
Financial markets anticipate that Kevin Warsh's reserved stance at the ECB Forum in Sintra may provide an important catalyst despite his expected silence.
Leveraged MicroStrategy ETFs Plunge Over 80% YTD
Leveraged long MicroStrategy ETFs MSTX, MSTU, and MSTP have fallen over 80% year-to-date, hitting record lows as MicroStrategy itself drops 46% YTD.
Trump Claims Highest Poll Numbers Ever; Data Contradicts
Donald Trump says his approval ratings are at the highest ever, exceeding even his 2024 Election Day numbers. However, multiple recent public polling averages do not support that claim.
Home Purchase Loan Volumes Hit 12-Year Low
Home purchase loan volumes have fallen to their lowest level in 12 years, driven by elevated mortgage rates, high home prices, and affordability pressures.
UK Considers Stronger Asset Rights for Unmarried Couples
The UK is considering reforms to give unmarried couples stronger legal rights to claim a share of assets after separation, addressing gaps in current laws that offer fewer protections than marriage.
Moody's Zandi: Fed Cannot Cut Rates in Current Environment
Mark Zandi of Moody's stated that the Federal Reserve cannot lower interest rates under current economic conditions, citing persistent inflation risks and ongoing economic resilience. This reinforces expectations that borrowing costs will remain elevated until inflation shows sustained progress.
Trump-Linked Firms Tied to $9B US Critical Minerals Push
A New York Times report says the U.S. government is pursuing $9 billion in critical minerals deals with 14 companies financially linked to Donald Trump and Howard Lutnick, aiming to boost domestic supply for batteries, semiconductors, and defense, but likely facing conflict-of-interest scrutiny.
US Dollar Surges Toward Strongest Month in Nearly a Year
The U.S. dollar is on track for its biggest monthly gain in almost a year, supported by strong economic data, resilient Treasury yields, and safe-haven demand.
ING Warns Recurring Heatwaves Pose Structural Risk to Eurozone Growth
ING's Global Head of Macro Carsten Brzeski warns that recurring European heatwaves are becoming a structural drag on Eurozone growth, citing research showing measurable output losses and higher food inflation.
US and Iran Halt Attacks, Resume Strait of Hormuz Talks – Oil Rises
Geoff Yu of BNY reports that the US and Iran have agreed to cease mutual attacks and restart negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz, easing shipping concerns. Markets responded with modest gains for Brent, WTI, and Omani crude.
Mid-Market Update: South Korea AI, Iran Ceasefire, UK Politics, US Jobs in Focus
A mid-market update highlights several key events: South Korea AI investment plans, breakdown of Iran ceasefire negotiations, UK's anticipated next PM Burnham giving his first major speech, a speech by Warsh, and the upcoming US jobs report.
BIS Warns AI Investment Boom Creates Macro-Financial Risks
The Bank for International Settlements warns that the AI-driven investment boom is itself creating macro-financial risks, including debt-financed infrastructure, inflated valuations, and fiscal deterioration.
WTI Oil Holds Near $70 as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Mount
Crude oil prices are trading flat on Monday, with WTI hovering around $70.00 as geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz offset a prior decline.
Andy Burnham Vows to Continue Labour Policy if Elected Leader
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated during Monday’s European session that his leadership plans would align with Labour’s 2024 policy platform.
JOLTS Job Openings Expected to Dip Slightly in May as Fed Aims to Cool Inflation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for May on Tuesday, with economists forecasting a slight decline in openings as the Federal Reserve continues its inflation-fighting stance.
UK Presumptive Next PM Andy Burnham to Choose Chancellor
Andy Burnham, widely expected to be Britain's next prime minister, is selecting his chancellor. The choice will define his economic agenda and become a focal point for accountability.
Iran Central Bank Denies Role in Bank Tech Provider Selection
Iran's central bank stated it had no role in selecting technology service providers for four banks affected by recent disruptions, rejecting claims it directed any specific company.
Brent Oil Falls as Strait of Hormuz Traffic Increases, Easing Inflation Concerns – Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank Research notes Brent crude dropped sharply last week as rising traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reduced conflict risk, alleviating inflation and rate-hike fears.
ECB Sintra Signals Suggest Sticky Hike Premium – Commerzbank
Commerzbank strategist Guntermann highlights the Sintra forum as a pivotal event for ECB communication, with Lagarde's opening speech and a policy panel expected to reinforce a persistent rate hike premium.
Putin Questions Western Claims of Ukraine's Progress
Russian President Vladimir Putin argued that if Ukraine were truly winning, Western leaders could just wait for Russia's strategic defeat to happen on its own.