Global

Asian and European stock markets declined broadly, with the technology sector extending previous losses. Middle East geopolitical tensions drove international oil prices significantly higher, as marketrisk-aversion sentiment intensified. Event Details Asian and European stock markets fell broadly on Wednesday, with technology shares extending a recent selloff. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, with Brent crude surging to multi-month highs. The combination of tech sector weakness and energy price spikes triggered a flight to safety among investors, driving down equity indices across major markets. ...

US Central Command announced the completion of a second round of precision military strikes on Iranian targets, including multiple military facilities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard subsequently claimed to have counter-attacked a US military base in Bahrain. This ongoing military confrontation is profoundly impacting global geopolitical dynamics and energy markets. Event Details US Central Command stated that its latest round of strikes were in response to what it described as unwarranted and continued aggression from Iran. The strikes targeted multiple military installations across Iranian territory. In response, Iranian forces claimed to have launched counter-strikes against a US military base in Bahrain. The escalation represents a significant intensification of the ongoing US-Iran military confrontation, with both sides vowing to defend their interests. ...

A massive fire broke out at a crowded fairground in central Mexico on Thursday, killing at least five people and injuring dozens. The fire department said flames spread rapidly, and the dense crowd made evacuation extremely difficult. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by the use of open flames at temporary stalls. Local officials noted that the fair attracted large numbers of visitors during a festival period, and inadequate emergency exits were a key factor in the severity of casualties. ...

Iran’s foreign ministry said Thursday that Tehran is still reviewing the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal to end the escalating military conflict between the two nations. Meanwhile, President Trump predicted on social media that the war would “end quickly,” without offering any specific timeline. In the past 24 hours, multiple mysterious explosions occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran hinting that the UAE may be responsible and warning it would “pay for it.” The strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil transit, meaning any escalation could significantly impact worldwide energy markets. ...

Trump issued an ultimatum to the European Union on Thursday, demanding it approve a trade deal with the United States by a specified deadline. The move is seen as the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s trade pressure on Europe. The EU has not yet publicly responded to the deadline.

A series of local elections in the UK will serve as the biggest test yet for Prime Minister Starmer’s Labour government. Polls show Labour’s support has slipped, with some voters dissatisfied with the pace of economic recovery. The results will directly impact Starmer’s policy agenda.