Global markets ended the week on a cautious note after negotiators called off US-Iran peace talks on Friday, fading the optimism that had built up through the week. The US dollar remained close to 13-month highs after its strongest weekly gain in a month. Oil rose, with Brent climbing 0.90% to $80.57 and WTI gaining 0.91% to $76.54. Gold continued to struggle, falling 1.15% to $4,160 an ounce near its year-to-date lows. Reports over the weekend that discussions have resumed in Switzerland could set a more positive tone for the Monday open.
📊 Equities
Global markets ended the week on a cautious note as optimism surrounding the US-Iran peace process faded after negotiators called off talks on Friday. With US markets largely closed, activity across most asset classes was relatively subdued. Reports over the weekend that discussions have resumed in Switzerland could provide a more positive tone for the Monday open.
🛢️ Oil
Oil prices moved higher as traders reacted to the latest developments surrounding the peace talks, with Brent crude rising 0.90% to $80.57 a barrel and WTI gaining 0.91% to $76.54.
🥇 Gold
Gold continued to struggle, falling 1.15% to $4,160 an ounce and ending the week near its lows for the year.
💵 FX & Bonds
The US dollar eased slightly against the major currencies during Friday’s session but remained close to 13-month highs after posting its strongest weekly gain in a month following the Federal Reserve’s hawkish hold earlier in the week.
📌 Today’s Focus
Attention now turns squarely to developments in Switzerland, with geopolitical headlines once again expected to dominate market sentiment. President Trump has warned that the conflict could reignite if Hezbollah continues attacks on Israel, leaving traders highly sensitive to any updates. Economic releases are relatively light, with China’s Loan Prime Rate decision and Canadian inflation data the key scheduled events for the day.
🔹 China – Loan Prime Rate Decision
🔹 Canada – CPI Data