Global markets face inflation concerns and geopolitical turmoil as Middle East tensions drive yields higher, while Asia-Pacific economies navigate trade uncertainties and structural shifts
Key Points
Wall Street indexes fell as Middle East conflict-driven inflation fears pushed Treasury yields higher, threatening to derail the AI-fueled rally that has dominated markets in recent months.
India's Tata Sons faces pressure to go public, with the holding company of 31 group enterprises including TCS and Tata Motors expected to discuss listing at a board meeting amid investor demands for greater transparency.
India's free trade deal with Britain has stalled over UK steel import curbs, with implementation delayed from May as trade tensions resurface despite broader economic cooperation efforts.
The UAE announced plans to accelerate construction of a new oil pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz following Middle East conflict disruptions, while Iran reported allowing more ships through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan's PSX benchmark index extended losses exceeding 1,100 points intra-day due to IMF concerns and geopolitical uncertainty, building on previous session declines of 952 points.
China and the US agreed to continue implementing all existing trade agreements and establish new councils for trade and investment, signaling efforts to stabilize bilateral economic relations.
Pakistan issued its first Panda bond worth CNY 1.75 billion in China under a CNY 7.2 billion program, marking a historic milestone in opening new chapters for sustainable financing in global capital markets.
Indian government bonds logged their worst weekly performance in six weeks, pressured by surging oil prices and US Treasury yields that further weakened short-end debt and swap markets.
Semiconductor stocks including Nvidia and Intel fell as AI exuberance faded, with analysts noting that even modest China disappointment creates ripples throughout the chip industry sector.
Pakistan entered the global top 10 exporters of truck and bus radial tyres, with Long March Tyres planning a ₨5.55 billion IPO to expand capacity to 2.6 million tyres by FY29.