Market news
Crypto, stocks, forex and macro, aggregated for traders.
Asia Equities First-Half 2026: Best and Worst Performers Amid Geopolitical and AI Volatility
Asian stock markets experienced significant swings in the first half of 2026, driven by Iran-related tensions and shifting AI investment trends. Federal Reserve policy expectations and energy supply recovery also influenced market performance.
US Construction Hiring Rate Falls to Record Low in May
The US construction hiring rate dropped to 3.5% in May, the lowest since records began in 2000, continuing a four-year downtrend.
AI Disrupts Entry-Level Jobs in Hong Kong, Experts Warn
Experts say AI is increasingly replacing or reshaping entry-level roles in Hong Kong’s job market, making prospects tougher for new graduates.
Acting DNI Pulte Removes Dozens of Intelligence Staff
Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has reportedly removed dozens of intelligence personnel from their positions, marking a significant shake-up within the U.S. intelligence community.
Half of Americans Fear AI Job Displacement: Reuters
A Reuters report finds that about 50% of Americans worry that artificial intelligence could put them or a family member out of work, highlighting growing public concern over AI-driven job displacement.
JPMorgan Sees Gold Range-Bound Near Term, Then Rally to $4,500 in Q4
JPMorgan forecasts gold will trade sideways in the short term before rebounding to an average of $4,500 per ounce in the fourth quarter.
US Job Growth Concentrated in Healthcare, Raising Economic Concerns
Recent data shows U.S. job growth is heavily focused on the healthcare sector, while other industries lag. This narrow expansion raises doubts about the overall strength of the economy.
High AI-Spending Firms See 10% Headcount Rise, Study Finds
A study of ~22,000 US companies shows that firms with the highest AI investment experienced a 10.2% increase in headcount over two years, while low-AI firms saw no net hiring.
AI Data Centers Use More Water Than Big Tech Discloses – WSJ
A Wall Street Journal analysis finds that only Meta reports both direct and indirect water consumption, while Microsoft, Google, and Amazon primarily disclose only data center water usage, potentially understating total water use.
South Korea Exports Hit Record ~$270B in Q2 2026 on AI Demand
South Korea's exports surged to a record ~$270 billion in Q2 2026, led by a 199.5% YoY jump in semiconductor shipments as AI and data center investments fuel demand.
Trump pardons six for 'fixing their car' under Biden
President Trump announced on Truth Social that he signed pardons for six individuals he claims were persecuted by the Biden administration for car repairs, citing weaponization of the justice system.
One in Three U.S. Men Over 20 Out of Labor Force
Roughly one-third of American men aged 20 and older are neither employed nor actively seeking work, reflecting a long-term rise in labor force non-participation that has sparked economic debate.
Iran's President Praises Supreme Leader for Resisting US Coercion
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian lauded the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for standing firm against US pressure, asserting that few nations can withstand such coercion.
Foreign Officials Mourn Iran's Slain Supreme Leader at Funeral
Top foreign officials gathered in Tehran on Friday to pay their final respects to Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, marking the start of a week of funeral ceremonies. His body is lying in state as allies and mourners converge on the capital.
Russian Guided Bomb Hits Europe's Largest Poultry Farm in Ukraine
A Russian guided bomb struck Europe’s largest poultry farm in Chornobaivka, Kherson region, causing a massive fire that destroyed a significant part of the production complex.
Pakistan Army Chief Visits Tehran for Khamenei Funeral, Meets Iranian FM
Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met Iran's Foreign Minister in Tehran on Friday while attending the funeral of slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Copper Market Eyes US Tariff Risk and Chile Supply Strain – Commerzbank
Commerzbank analyst Norman Liebke notes that the copper market is focused on a potential 15% US import tariff on refined copper, which could temporarily boost US demand and prices. Additionally, supply strain from Chile adds to the outlook.
Trump Investment Accounts Made 327 Stock Purchases Before Tariff Pause, NBC Reports
NBC News reports that President Trump's investment accounts executed 327 stock purchases the day before he paused major tariffs, raising concerns over undisclosed trading and potential conflicts of interest.
WTI Crude Oil Advances on Softer US Jobs Data, Middle East Tensions
West Texas Intermediate crude oil traded around $68.65 on Friday, up 0.30% on the day, recovering recent losses as the US dollar weakened following softer-than-expected US employment data and ongoing Middle East tensions.
US Jobs Revised Down 14 of 17 Months Since 2025, Total -710K
US employment data has been revised lower in 14 out of 17 months since the start of 2025, totaling a downward adjustment of 710,000 jobs. The latest two-month revision (April and May) was the largest since December.
RBC Economists Warn of Trade Risks After US Decision on CUSMA
RBC economists Claire Fan and Nathan Janzen assess the risks for Canada following the US decision not to extend the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), highlighting trade persistence challenges.
Foreign Investors Pile Into US Equities at Unprecedented Pace
Cumulative year-to-date inflows from global investment funds into US equities have reached about 2.5% of total AUM, more than doubling since May and far exceeding historical averages.
Oil Falls as US-Iran Talks Fuel Optimism: Commerzbank
Commerzbank notes that oil prices have declined as market optimism grows over US-Iran negotiations and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
US DOJ and FTC Warn Oil Volatility Does Not Suspend Antitrust Laws
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have reminded state officials that recent crude oil price swings do not override antitrust or consumer protection laws, and do not permit price manipulation or collusion.