Geopolitics
Geopolitical events affecting markets. Conflicts, trade disputes, sanctions, and diplomatic developments with material market impact.
Iran-Israel hostilities halt; KOSPI surges 8% on semiconductor rebound
A volatile overnight session dominated by Middle East de-escalation, a sharp Korean equity rebound, and a wave of major corporate announcements including the OpenAI IPO filing and GSK's $9bn-plus Nuvalent approach.
Iran and Israel exchange direct missile strikes, Brent crude surges to $95.43
A highly active overnight session dominated by Iran-Israel military escalation, a sharp Asian equity selloff led by Korean chipmakers, and renewed oil price gains.
Kushner-linked $1.6bn Albania resort faces SPAK probe as thousands protest
Albania's anti-corruption prosecutor opens investigation into the Kushner-linked coastal resort as thousands protest in Tirana.
US strikes Iranian Hormuz sites as strait traffic falls to near zero
A turbulent week dominated by Persian Gulf military escalation, a sharp US equity selloff on strong jobs data, and SpaceX's record IPO filing alongside sweeping new US tariff proposals.
Hormuz blockade deepens as US-Iran peace talks collapse entirely
A week defined by renewed US-Iran military escalation, a stalled Strait of Hormuz, a landmark SpaceX IPO filing, and fresh US tariff proposals on 60 nations.
Iranian strikes on Kuwait airport and US bases lift oil; tariff threat widens
A volatile European session dominated by Middle East escalation, new US forced-labour tariff proposals on 60 nations, and a stronger-than-expected ADP jobs print.
British couple jailed in Iran lose espionage appeal
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, serving 10-year sentences in Tehran's Evin prison, have lost their appeal against espionage convictions, their family says.
Streeting backs North Sea drilling and NI cut in leadership pitch
Former UK health secretary Wes Streeting called for new North Sea oil and gas licences and a targeted cut to employers' national insurance, distancing himself from Keir Starmer's government.
US intercepts Iranian missiles over Kuwait as ceasefire talks stall
A tense European session dominated by escalating US-Iran military exchanges, rising oil prices, and divergent equity moves tied to Nvidia's PC chip launch.
Israel expands Lebanon ground offensive; oil rises above $93 on ceasefire uncertainty
An active overnight session dominated by Middle East escalation, with oil prices rising sharply, yen weakness persisting, and emerging Asian equities reaching record highs on AI demand.
US-Iran ceasefire MOU reached as Hormuz shipping collapses to 10% of normal
A volatile weekend dominated by competing US-Iran diplomatic and military signals, major oil inventory warnings, and a sharp tech earnings divergence centred on Dell and Zscaler.
US blockade enforced in Gulf of Oman; Brent, WTI crude named in coverage
US Central Command fired on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman on 30 May 2026 amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions; WTI crude, Brent crude, gold, CSI 300, Hang Seng Index, CNY, and copper were named in cluster coverage of the period.
Greek national charged in UK with assisting Iran intelligence against journalist
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, was charged under the National Security Act 2023 over the alleged targeting of a UK-based journalist at Iran International.
Judge blocks Trump's $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund amid legal challenges
A federal judge in Virginia temporarily barred the Justice Department from operating or disbursing money from the $1.776bn fund, with a follow-up hearing set for 12 June.
US strikes Iranian targets near Hormuz for second time this week
European session dominated by Middle East escalation, with crude surging and equity futures under pressure ahead of in-line US PCE data.
US-Iran military clashes in Strait of Hormuz whipsaw oil markets
A volatile European session dominated by conflicting signals from US-Iran military clashes and concurrent diplomatic negotiations, with oil prices swinging sharply and equities mixed.
US military strikes Iranian targets; Brent surges 2.34% to $98.39
A volatile overnight session dominated by conflicting US-Iran signals, lifting crude and complicating European open sentiment.
Iran peace signals drop Brent 5%, but Hormuz reopening months away
Bearish near-term for crude (Brent, WTI) and bullish for oil-importing equities and currencies including Indian Sensex, Nifty 50, and INR; gold, silver, platinum, and palladium advanced on residual uncertainty