Global markets rally on easing geopolitical tensions and AI optimism, while emerging markets navigate currency pressures and infrastructure investments

Pakistan's stock market extends gains with KSE-100 Index rising 1.19% to 164,831.42 points as geopolitical tensions ease, while the country reopens offshore oil and gas exploration after two decades with 23 block deals signed to unlock billion-dollar investment.

Wall Street tech stocks surge ahead of Nvidia earnings with the Nasdaq leading gains, as chip stocks rebound on crucial test of AI demand; oil prices drop below $105 per barrel on Trump's signals of imminent Iran deal, benefiting airline stocks.

India's Reserve Bank announces a $5 billion dollar/rupee buy/sell swap auction for three years on May 26 to address foreign exchange pressures, while the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange launches India's first exchange-traded weather derivatives for Mumbai rainfall.

Pakistan's privatisation commission advances PIA airline sale with regulatory and financial conditions progressing under share purchase agreement, while Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) eyes financing for Pakistan's Karachi-Sukkur Motorway corridor project targeted for completion within two years.

Sri Lankan equity market slides for sixth consecutive session with broad sectoral losses, signaling broader regional market weakness amid economic headwinds.

U.S. inflation reaches three-year high fueled by rising oil prices, Trump tariffs, and unexpectedly, AI boom-driven costs, contradicting earlier expectations that artificial intelligence would reduce prices.

Pakistan's power tariff likely to increase by Rs1.72 per unit under April fuel cost adjustment as costly generation mix drives up electricity costs, while petroleum refineries warn against fuel smuggling threatening operations and revenue.

Southwest Airlines plans to scale its India global capability centre to 1,000 employees over coming years, marking expansion of U.S. corporate operations in emerging markets amid offshore hiring trends.

Constellation and Vistra power stocks rally as PJM grid operator accelerates data-center deals, signaling capacity constraints and growing demand from AI infrastructure projects.

Pakistan extends customs duty concessions for electric vehicles and parts until June 2026 under amended Automotive Industry Development and Export Policy, supporting clean energy vehicle adoption in the region.