Business

Asian stocks mostly up as traders eye crucial US jobs data

Asian stocks mostly rose Wednesday as investors nervously awaited key US jobs data that could help determine the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision, while the yen is in focus as it wallows around four-decade lows.

2 DAYS AGO

Electronic boards display the foreign exchange rate of the Japanese yen against the US dollar at a foreign exchange brokerage in Tokyo on June 30, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Asian stocks unable to track Wall St higher, yen holds at 40-year low

Asian equities fluctuate as investors struggle to build on a record day on Wall Street, where tech firms bounce after the hefty selling of the past two weeks, while the yen holds around a four-decade low against the dollar.

4 DAYS AGO

Pedestrians stand in front of electronic boards displaying the foreign exchange rate of the Japanese yen against the US dollar (L) and other currencies (R), along a street in Tokyo on June 22, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Crude prices drop, most stocks rise on 'positive' US-Iran talks

Traders remain in a buoyant mood after news that the two foes had ended their conflict, which had sent energy costs soaring and stoking inflation, sending shivers through the global economy.

June 22, 2026

A man walks next to an electronic quotation board displaying the Nikkei 225 stock prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo on June 18, 2026. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)

Oil prices sink further as Trump signs deal to reopen Hormuz

Oil prices extend their decline as the US-Iran peace deal and the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz ease energy supply fears, though markets remain cautious amid expectations of further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.

June 18, 2026

After three sessions, SpaceX already among world's most valuable companies

Shares of SpaceX finished up nearly 5% at $201.80, giving it a market value of $2.64 trillion and placing the company a hair below Amazon's $2.65 trillion at the end of Tuesday's session.

June 17, 2026

BMW downgrades 2026 targets on Mideast war, China woes

BMW cut its 2026 outlook, citing worsening sales in China, Middle East war-related disruptions, high energy costs, and weak consumer sentiment. The German carmaker now expects lower profits, fewer vehicle deliveries, and reduced margins, while accelerating cost-cutting measures

June 16, 2026

Most stocks rise, oil flat following peace deal-fueled rally

US President Donald Trump says ships are again moving through the strait, to be 'completely open' by Friday; Iranian media say three oil tankers and two cargo ships have passed through the area previously subject to a US naval blockade.

June 16, 2026

G7 allies seek common ground with Trump after US-Iran deal announcement

The G7 members will want details on the deal and the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, with talks expected to focus on other pressing issues including Russo-Ukrainian war, global economy and artificial intelligence.

June 15, 2026

Crude prices plunge, stocks surge on US-Iran peace deal

Crude prices tanked as much as 5% Monday, with West Texas Intermediate approaching $80 a barrel for the first time since the start of March. Brent was down more than 4% at around $83.60.

June 15, 2026

Newly minted trillionaire Musk under fire over Belfast riots

Elon Musk faces criticism over posts linked to anti-immigrant unrest in Belfast, as researchers say content he amplified on X generated millions of views and fueled calls for violence online.

June 13, 2026

Latest News

PM Sharif begins Türkiye visit for Erdogan talks on strategic bilateral cooperation

2 HOURS AGO

Upon Pakistan PM's arrival at Atatürk Airport, the prime minister was received by Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Professor Dr. Ömer Bolat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid, and senior officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Pak

El Nino set to be 'strong', UN warns

6 HOURS AGO

Head of climate prediction services at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Wilfran Moufouma-Okia points on graphs displayed on computer screens at the WMO headquarters in Geneva, on June 1, 2026. (AFP)

Swift and Kelce set to tie the knot in glitzy arena extravaganza

7 HOURS AGO

US musician Taylor Swift (L) and US NFL football player Travis Kelce attend the men's final match between Italy's Jannik Sinner and USA's Taylor Fritz on day fourteen of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in

Mayor says maternity leave revealed depth of gender discrimination in Japan

9 HOURS AGO

Northwest Pakistan on high alert as monsoon rains, flood threats intensify

11 HOURS AGO

Flood-affected people carry makeshift tents as they wade through floodwaters at Alipur in the Muzaffargarh district of Punjab province on September 13, 2025. (File photo: AFP)