Global markets navigate US-Iran tensions and geopolitical uncertainty while oil prices fluctuate; major policy shifts emerge in energy, digital finance, and infrastructure investment.

Trump administration announces effort to reopen Strait of Hormuz and free stranded ships, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirming the US is 'suffocating' Iran through economic blockade, though uncertainty over final deal terms caps market gains in Gulf bourses.

Oil prices fall as OPEC+ announces modest production boost in June amid Iran-US conflict, with the move described as largely symbolic; Trump's Hormuz plan aims to ease supply disruptions that have exposed vulnerabilities in global energy security.

Asian Development Bank launches $70 billion infrastructure programme for Asia-Pacific region targeting energy and digital expansion by 2035, representing major commitment to regional development amid geopolitical tensions.

Pakistan pursues digital asset formalization with 40 million informal users, moving to establish regulatory framework for stablecoins and tokenization while exploring $38 billion remittance opportunities through PVARA-led initiative.

Pakistan eyes Saudi partnership for strategic oil reserves following Iran-US conflict, addressing fuel security concerns with only 20-30 days of stock cover and vulnerability to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan's capital markets reforms advance with government pushing REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) restructuring to deepen market participation and attract investment through tax and regulatory improvements.

US stock futures remain mixed following Trump's Hormuz announcement; AI spending boom continues driving market rally in Q1 earnings, though gains remain concentrated among select sectors as investors assess sustainability of upward revisions.

Pakistan's aviation sector faces headwinds with over 120 flight cancellations amid weak demand persisting despite fare cuts, as inflation-hit consumers and regional uncertainty keep passenger volumes low across airports.

GameStop reportedly pursues acquisition of eBay for $56 billion, seeking to boost relevance and leverage eBay's superior adaptation to changing consumer preferences in competitive e-commerce landscape.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan expand trade cooperation with discussions on livestock exports, pharmaceuticals, and leather sector, signaling upcoming high-level diplomatic visit to strengthen bilateral B2B linkages.