S&P 500 — US Large Cap Index
FTSE 100 — UK Blue Chips
Euro Stoxx 50 — Eurozone Leaders
DAX 40 — German Equities
CAC 40 — French Market Index
Nikkei 225 — Japan Benchmark
Hang Seng — Hong Kong Index
Shanghai Composite — China Mainland
ASX 200 — Australian Market
TSX Composite — Canada Index
Nifty 50 — India Large Cap
STI Index — Singapore Market
KOSPI — South Korea Index
Bovespa — Brazil Equities
JSE Top 40 — South Africa Index
IPC Index — Mexico MarketThe British pound traded near $1.32, close to its lowest level since late November, as uncertainty over the Iran conflict and surging oil prices weighed on markets. At the same time, the dollar remained supported as stronger-than-expected US jobs data last week further dampened expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. US President Trump warned Iran of severe repercussions if it fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday, though US intelligence suggests little chance of compliance. Meanwhile, reports indicate negotiations for a 45-day truce between the US, Iran, and regional mediators, which could help de-escalate tensions. With crude prices near multi-year highs, inflation concerns have led investors to rule out Fed rate cuts this year. In the UK, markets now expect two Bank of England rate hikes in 2026, reversing pre-war forecasts of two cuts. This shift persists despite Governor Andrew Bailey’s caution that markets may be overestimating the likelihood of tightening.
