Finance

The U.S. Senate officially confirmed a new Federal Reserve chair on May 13, marking a pivotal moment for monetary policy leadership under the Trump administration. Background The confirmation followed months of intense political negotiations. Trump allies repeatedly stated during Senate hearings that further interest rate cuts would require more convincing economic data, particularly given inflationary pressures stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict and global trade uncertainties. Market Reaction Wall Street responded cautiously to the news. Analysts emphasized that the new chair’s policy philosophy will shape future rate decisions, with direct implications for corporate borrowing costs, the housing market, and consumer lending conditions. ...

U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) surged unexpectedly in May, recording the largest increase in four years. The Dow Jones slipped following the data release, reigniting inflation concerns. PPI is a key indicator of industrial price changes and a leading signal for consumer inflation. The unexpected surge could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory. Analysts noted that inflation outlook has grown more complex amid tariff policies and geopolitical tensions. Investors are closely watching subsequent economic data and policy signals. ...

US inflation accelerates after weeks of Iran war, with energy costs as the main driver.

US Inflation Jumps to 3.8% as Energy Costs Surge from Iran War US inflation has risen to 3.8%, driven by surging energy costs linked to the Iran conflict, according to BBC. The figure exceeded market expectations and adds fresh pressure on Federal Reserve monetary policy debates. Energy price increases are weighing on both consumer spending and business costs.

Investor Michael Burry, famous for correctly predicting the 2008 financial crisis, warned on Monday that the stock market has “jumped the shark,” suggesting the current rally may be unsustainable. Burry’s comments come as investors weigh geopolitical risks against market momentum. Middle East tensions continue to escalate, with the Iran conflict driving energy prices higher, while US stocks have maintained their upward trajectory. Burry rose to prominence for his prescient shorting of mortgage-backed securities before the 2008 subprime crisis, a story dramatized in the film “The Big Short.” He has long been skeptical of overvalued markets. ...

International oil prices surged after President Trump dismissed Iran’s proposal to end the war. The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping route, remains effectively closed, continuing to disrupt global energy supply chains. BBC reports that the disruption to this strategic waterway is severely impacting global energy transportation. The strait handles roughly 20% of global LNG trade and vast quantities of crude oil, and its closure has directly pushed up Brent and WTI crude prices. ...

Saudi Aramco has reported a 26% year-over-year jump in first-quarter 2026 profits, far exceeding market expectations amid the escalating Middle East conflict. AP News reports that the key driver of Aramco’s profit surge is its successful pivot from the Strait of Hormuz to the East-West Pipeline. The pipeline has been ramped up to full capacity, enabling Saudi Arabia to continue exporting crude to global markets despite the strait closure. CNBC notes that Aramco’s CEO emphasized the company’s ability to navigate the current geopolitical situation and the effectiveness of its diversified export strategy. The performance underscores Saudi Arabia’s pivotal position in the global energy market. ...

China reported record-high export and import figures for April, with the trade surplus widening further, signaling economic resilience despite tariff headwinds.

Intel’s stock has achieved a never-before-seen milestone, with market enthusiasm around Apple partnerships driving investor confidence. Source: Google News

The S&P 500 closed at another record high, posting its longest weekly winning streak since 2021, as market confidence continues to recover. Source: Google News