The Ibovespa erased its early gains to close 0.55% lower at 195,734 on Friday, retreating to levels last seen on April 9th. While the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz initially boosted sentiment, a 9.86% plunge in oil prices ($85.35) weighed heavily on the index. Petrobras was the main laggard, slumping 5.05% as it shed earlier gains from the announcement of its acquisition of a stake in offshore block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe. In contrast, Vale rose 1.51% following resilient Q1 production data. The banking sector mostly supported the broader market as bond yields fell, with gains for Banco do Brasil (+0.78%), Santander Brazil (+0.70%), and Bradesco (+0.77%), while Itaúsa fell 0.27%. Other notable movers included Rede D'Or (+1.53%) and WEG (+0.54%), while Eletrobras fell 2.81% and Ambev shed 0.78%.

Ibovespa Erases Gains Despite Strait of Hormuz Opening

BSX increased to an all-time high of 3598.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, Bermuda Stock Exchange Index gained 10.49%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 40.34%.

Stocks in Bermuda Hit All-time High

The Dow Jones Index went up by 869 points or 1.79 percent on Friday to close at 49447 points. The rise was led by Sherwin-Williams (3.83%), Home Depot (3.62%) and Merck (3.13%).

The Dow Jones Index Closes 1.79% Higher

Peru's trade surplus widened to $4,189 million in February 2026 from $2,266 million a year earlier, as exports surged 38.2% to $8,988 million while imports rose 13.3% to $4,799 million. Export growth was driven primarily by mining products, which jumped 62.0% to $6,703 million, while agricultural sales climbed 50.0% to $42 million. Conversely, oil and gas exports fell 39.3% to $230 million and fishing products declined 14.8% to $283 million. On the import side, consumer goods rose 14.1% to $1,154 million, intermediate goods increased 6.4% to $2,166 million, and capital goods climbed 24.6% to $1,474 million.

Peru Trade Surplus Widens on Mining Export Jump

The potential for an agreement between Iran and the US to end their war will continue to dominate market movements and the outlook of the global economy, with promising signals from both sides recently hinting at a resolution. Corporate earnings results also remain in the spotlight with results due from Tesla, Intel, UnitedHealth, Amex, and P&G. For economic data, retail sales will be closely eyed, and the S&P PMI will be featured. Regarding US monetary policy, Fed Chair Nominee Warsh will testify before Congress in his first public speaking regarding the cargo. In Europe, PMIs and local sentiment indices will give more insights on how the economy adapts to surges in energy prices. A busy week in the UK will include the inflation rate and  retail sales. In Asia, the PBoC will set its loan prime rates and Japan will unveil trade figures, inflation and join India and Australia in release PMI.

Week Ahead - Apr 20th

The Brazil 10-year government bond yield dropped to 13.5, reaching its lowest level in 11 weeks. This move is directly triggered by the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has acted as today's massive market driver. This geopolitical breakthrough caused the U.S. dollar to retreat to 97 and oil prices to collapse by 12.% to 83. As the "war premium" evaporates, investor demand for Brazilian debt has surged, pushing bond prices up and forcing the yield into a sharp decline. With lower energy costs reducing inflation fears, the yield is now heading back toward the year-to-date lows seen in early February.

Brazil 10Y Yield Eases to 11-Week Low on Hormuz Reopening

The Brazilian real rose 0.21% to 4.9 per USD, reaching its strongest level in 11 weeks. This move is driven by the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a major breakthrough that has sparked global optimism and caused the US dollar to drop (DXY -0.29%). The currency has extended its sharp downward trend seen since late March, as the fall in the dollar effectively offsets the pressure from an 12% collapse in oil prices.
As war fears fade and global markets look for a strong finish to the week, the real continues to recover, heading back toward the levels seen in early February.

Brazilian Real Hits 11-Week High on Hormuz Reopening

Malawi's annual inflation rate eased to 23.8% in March 2026, marking a new lowest level since July 2022, down from 24.1% in February. Food inflation slowed, edging down to 20% from 20.8% in the previous month. In contrast, non-food inflation rose to 30.7% from 30% in February. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.6%, easing from a 3.2% increase in February.

Malawi Inflation Rate Eases to 2022-Low

The DAX jumped more than 2% to close near 24,700 on Friday, its highest level since February 27, after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz had been fully reopened to commercial shipping. The sharp rebound followed signals from US President Donald Trump suggesting the war could be nearing an end, adding to improving risk sentiment. Sentiment was further supported by a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that came into effect on Thursday, helping lift global equity markets. Infineon surged more than 6%, while Airbus gained nearly 5%. Siemens and Siemens Energy both advanced over 3%, and SAP along with Deutsche Bank rose more than 2.5%. Gains were also seen in Deutsche Telekom, Allianz and Munich Re. In contrast, utilities and select industrial names lagged, with RWE falling 4% and E.ON down nearly 2%. Mercedes-Benz slipped close to 2%, while Rheinmetall edged 0.6% lower.

DAX Rallies to 7-Week High

The FTSE MIB Index went up by 842 points or 1.75 percent on Friday to close at 48869 points. The rise was led by Stellantis N.V. (6.72%), STMicroelectronics (6.28%) and Ferrari NV (5.23%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 1.75% Higher

The DAX Index rose 548 points or 2.27 percent on Friday to close at 24702 points. Leading the gains are Infineon (6.29%), MTU Aero Engines AG (5.92%) and Continental (5.35%).

The DAX Index Closes 2.27% Higher

The CAC 40 Index gained 160 points or 1.94 percent on Friday to close at 8423 points. Gains were led by STMicroelectronics (8.48%), Stellantis NV (6.65%) and Safran (5.90%).

The CAC 40 Index Closes 1.94% Higher

US stock indices rose to new records on Friday after Iran stated that it opened the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian commercial vessels, easing concerns of energy-driven stagflation. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 gained 1.5%, while the Dow added over 2%. Crude oil and product prices plunged after Iran and President Trump stated that tanker traffic in the Persian chokepoint is now liberated, paving the way to restore normal levels of energy supply following the shock triggered by the conflict. The likelihood of an agreement was magnified after the President stated Iran will shut down its nuclear program. AI companies surged as the rebound in risk sentiment supported speculative sectors, with Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla gaining more than 1%, while Oracle jumped 3%. In turn, Netflix fell over 10% after its Q2 guidance fell short of expectations. The three main averages were on track for three consecutive weeks of gains above 3%.

US Stocks Extend Gains at Records

The FTSE 100 Index went up by 71 points or 0.67 percent on Friday to close at 10661 points. The rise was led by Easyjet Plc (6.86%), International Airlines Group (5.90%) and Fresnillo (5.88%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were BP (-7.16%), SSE (-6.43%) and Centrica (-6.05%).

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.67% Higher

The FTSE 100 gained more than 0.5% on Friday, reaching its highest level in over six weeks after Iran signaled the Strait of Hormuz remains open under the ongoing ceasefire with the US. The move triggered a sharp drop in oil prices and led traders to scale back expectations for further interest rate hikes amid easing inflation concerns. Travel stocks led the advance, with EasyJet up 6.9% and IAG rising 5.9%. Intertek climbed nearly 5% and is now up more than 30% this week after rejecting a £7.9 billion takeover bid from EQT. Banks also supported the rally, with HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays and NatWest rising between 1.5% and 3.3%. Gains were also seen across AstraZeneca, Unilever, Rolls-Royce, GSK, Rio Tinto and BAE Systems. In contrast, energy and utility stocks lagged sharply, with BP falling more than 7%, Shell down over 5%, and SSE and Centrica each declining around 6%. Looking ahead, next week brings earnings from Sainsbury’s, WH Smith, AB Foods, Reckitt, and LSE Group.

FTSE 100 Rises to Over 6-Week High

The CAC 40 gained 2% to close at 8,425 on Friday after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed full commercial access during the ceasefire. Oil prices plunged and bond yields fell, supporting financial stocks and the broader market. BNP Paribas was up 4.2%, Credit Agricole gained 2.8%, and Societe Generale added 4%. Luxury stocks advanced in the lower-risk environment, with LVMH advancing 3.2%, Hermes up 5.2%, and L'Oreal adding 2%. The industrial sector also posted gains, with Airbus up 4.5% and Safran advancing 5.7%. In contrast, TotalEnergies slumped 5.2% on falling oil prices.

CAC 40 Rises Sharply as Strait of Hormuz Reopens

European stocks closed sharply higher on Friday, tracking the rise in global equity markets after Iran communicated that it opened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 gained 2% to 6,054 and the pan-European STOXX 600 gained 1.5% to 626, both at their highest since their respective records on late February. The development improved the outlook of normalized energy supply from key producers in the region, triggering a plunge in oil and gas benchmarks and easing concerns of stagflation in Europe. Banks surged on the outlook of improved credit and lower rates, with Santander and NP Paribas gaining more than 4%. Industrial giants also gained as lower power prices were due to improve their margins, with Safran, Airbus, and Schneider adding between 4% and 6%.

European Stocks Approach Record Highs

The FTSE MIB surged 1.7% to close at 48,844 on Friday, hitting a record high after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed full commercial access during the ceasefire. Oil prices plunged and bond yields fell, lifting financials. UniCredit rose 3.8%, Intesa Sanpaolo added 3.1%, MPS gained 4.2%, and Mediobanca advanced 5.2%. Luxury stocks gained in the lower-risk environment, Ferrari gained 5.2%, Moncler advanced 2.9%, and Brunello Cucinelli added 4.3%. Elsewhere, Stellantis jumped 6.8% on a new five-year AI partnership with Microsoft, while STMicroelectronics rose 6.5% on a positive Mizuho outlook. In contrast, Eni slumped 7% on falling oil prices.

FTSE MIB Hits Record High as Strait of Hormuz Reopens

The euro strengthened above $1.18, reaching its highest level since before the conflict with Iran began, supported by broad dollar weakness as investors welcomed news of the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which helped ease near-term inflation concerns. Iran’s foreign minister confirmed that the strait is fully open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire. In response, oil prices tumbled more than 10%, alleviating some pressure on inflation. The euro is up 2.7% on the week, its biggest gain in a year, and is on track for a third consecutive weekly advance, as traders increasingly bet the ECB may raise interest rates this year. Earlier in the week, ECB President Lagarde acknowledged that elevated energy costs have pushed the eurozone away from its baseline economic path, but she refrained from signaling any imminent rate increases.

Euro Gains for 3rd Week

Cheese decreased to 1.63 USD/Lbs, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Cheese lost 1.91%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 5.72%.

Cheese Hits 4-week Low

The Baltic Exchange dry bulk freight index climbed 1.7% to 2,567 on Friday, its highest level since December 8, extending gains for an eleventh consecutive session and posting a weekly rise of 16.6%. The capesize index, which tracks vessels carrying around 150,000 tons of cargo such as iron ore and coal, jumped 2.5% to 4,128, a more than four month high. The panamax index, typically used for 60,000 to 70,000 ton shipments of coal or grain, edged up 0.3% to 1,975, the strongest level since early March. Meanwhile, the supramax index advanced 1.2% to 1,415.

Baltic Dry Index Extends to Over 4-Month High

Aluminum futures in the UK sank to $3,550 per tonne from the three-year high of $3,670 on April 16th, as signals of resorted vessel flows through the Strait of Hormuz improved the outlook form key suppliers in the region. Iranian authorities stated that commercial vessels are now free to navigate the chokepoint following ongoing talks with the US, improving the outlook for exports from major producers in the region. Before the start of the conflict in March, aluminum output from the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain was responsible for around 9% of global supply. Production prospects also improved elsewhere as the pullback in energy prices from the developments are likely to improve margins for Asian and European smelters. Still, output is unlikely to immediately rebound to pre-war levels as facilities in Qatar and Bahrain faced damage, while power prices remained higher this year.

Aluminum Pulls Back from 3-Year High

Copper futures in the US rose to above $6.1 per pound, the highest in over two months and tracking the increase in most industrial metals as signals of restored trade through the Strait of Hormuz improved the outlook of manufacturing activity and pressured the dollar. Iranian authorities stated that commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be targeted, backing hopes of restored fuel supply from the region and improving operation costs for major manufacturers, which supports demand for industrial metals. In the meantime, the softer pivot to safety drove the US dollar to depreciate, supporting bidding for foreign consumers. Physical demand had already been supported by China as firms enter their restocking season. Longer-term demand was also supported by growing investment in electrification investments in grids, datacenters, and electric cars.

Copper Rises to Over 2-Month High

The Mexican peso strengthened by 0.4% to 17.17 per USD, reaching its highest level since February. This appreciation was fueled by a 0.4% drop in the DXY to 97.and increased risk appetite after oil prices tumbled more than 10% on reports of potential U.S.-Iran peace talks in Pakistan. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon have further eased global trade concerns, benefiting high-yield currencies like the peso. Mexico’s resilience remains supported by a benchmark rate of 6.75%, which continues to attract investors as global tensions subside.

Mexican Peso Hits February Highs

UK natural gas futures dropped toward 97 pence a therm, the lowest since February 27, after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire. The move fueled optimism that one of the most severe global energy supply disruptions may be nearing an end. The announcement followed earlier comments from President Donald Trump, who said Iranian concessions could lead to a broader peace deal, while noting the US naval blockade targeting Iran would remain until negotiations are finalized. The conflict had disrupted around a fifth of global LNG flows, though weaker Asian demand has eased pressure on European buyers. In addition, National Gas, the country's gas system operator, stated that domestic gas inventories are expected to be sufficient to meet summer demand and could even allow some gas to be exported to mainland Europe.

UK Natural Gas Futures Fall to 7-Week Low

US 10 Year Government Bond Yield decreased to 4.23%, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, US 10 Year Note Bond Yield lost 2.70 basis points, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 16.70 basis points.

US 10Y Bond Yield Hits 4-week Low

Italy 10 Year Government Bond Yield decreased to 3.65%, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Italy 10Y Bond Yield lost 8.63 basis points, and in the last 12 months, it increased 1.70 basis points.

Italy 10Y Bond Yield Hits 4-week Low

Gasoline decreased to 2.89 USD/Gal, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Gasoline lost 6.32%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 38.73%.

Gasoline Hits 5-week Low

The Canadian dollar depreciated by 0.3% toward 1.36 against the USD on Friday, as the currency reacted to a sharp 12% dive in oil prices to $82. This drop followed news that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" to commercial vessels during a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which has quickly reduced the fear of a global energy crisis. Because Canada is a major oil exporter, the lower prices mean less income for the country, putting pressure on its currency. At the same time, the de-escalation of the conflict has calmed inflation worries, leading investors to bet that the Bank of Canada will cut interest rates sooner than expected. Although the US Dollar Index (DXY) also fell to 97.7, the combination of cheaper oil and the shift toward lower interest rates has tempered the recent demand for the Canadian currency.

Canadian Dollar Weakens as Oil Prices Plunge on Peace Hopes

Heating oil futures for delivery at the New York Harbor plunged nearly 15% to the $3.3 per gallon mark on Friday, tracking the decline in crude oil benchmarks after Iranian officials stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open for all commercial vessels. The move backed expectations that crude oil and refined product supply from the key region could increase toward normal levels in the near future after cargoes from the Persian Gulf have been nearly suspended since the start of the conflict in March. Still, US President Trump stated that Iranian tankers will remain blockaded for the upcoming sessions, contingent on a longer-lasting resolution to the conflict. The shortage of feedstock for diesel refiners had lifted heating oil futures past $4.7 per gallon in late March, a premium to the heavily-used biodiesel in Asia.

Heating Oil Plunges Nearly 15%

The Japanese Yen touched 157.85 against the USD, the highest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, US Dollar Japanese Yen lost 1.24%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 11.05%.

Japanese Yen Hits 4-week High

The dollar index fell about 0.5% to below 98 on Friday, marking its lowest level since the conflict with Iran began, as news of the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz helped ease near-term inflation concerns. Iran’s Foreign Minister said that the strait is now fully open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire. In response, oil prices tumbled more than 10%, prompting traders to ramp up bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Markets are now pricing in roughly a 50–50 chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut by year-end, up from around a 30% probability on Thursday. This still compares with earlier expectations of two rate cuts before the conflict escalated. The greenback weakened broadly, with the sharpest declines against the Swiss franc, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and the euro. For the week, the dollar index is down about 0.5%, on track for a third consecutive weekly decline.

Dollar Back to February Lows

The Canadian 10-year government bond yield edged down to 3.4% on Friday, following a broader decline in North American sovereign yields as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eased immediate inflation concerns. This move accompanied an 11.11% plunge in crude prices to $84.17 and a softer US Dollar Index (DXY) at 97.7. The de-escalation has prompted global traders to increase bets on central bank rate cuts by year-end, with markets now pricing in a higher probability of dovish pivots. The cooling of geopolitical tensions has effectively removed the stagflation fears that dominated March, providing the Bank of Canada with the necessary leeway to align with shifting global monetary expectations. Investors remain focused on the stabilization of logistics costs, which had previously threatened to unanchor long-term inflation expectations.

Canada 10Y Yields Ease as Peace Hopes Cool Stagflation Fears

Gasoline futures for delivery at the New York Harbor sank to below $2.95 per gallon on Friday, the lowest in over one month, after Iran stated that tankers are free to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials stated that they will open the Persian Gulf chokepoint for all commercial vessels for the first time since the start of the conflict, raising hopes that energy supply from the key region is due to be normalized shortly, although US President Trump stated that Iranian vessels will remain blockaded. The development was set to ease bidding prices for alternative crude oil producers by Asian refineries that are dependent on supply from the Middle East, which were the heaviest hit by the conflict at the beginning of the month, which drove US retail gasoline prices to surpass $4 per gallon. Still, attacks on Russian refining infrastructure prevented a sharper drop for gasoline futures.

Gasoline Plunges on Hopes of Persian Gulf Supply

The Dow Jones Index is up by 707 points or 1.45 percent on Friday. Top gainers are Boeing (4.28%), Sherwin-Williams (3.45%) and Home Depot (2.99%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 1.45% Higher

Silver increased 5.01% to 82.338 USD/t.oz

Silver is up by 5.01%

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose nearly 0.5% to trade above 34,000 on Friday, nearing February record highs after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed full commercial access for the ceasefire’s duration. Oil prices plunged and bond yields fell, lifting banks, BMO and Scotiabank each gained about 1%, RBC and TD rose near 0.5%. In addition, gold edged higher, supporting miners, Agnico Eagle and Barrick each rose over 1%, WPM advanced more than 3%. Meanwhile, energy stocks slumped, Canadian Natural and Suncor both fell arround 6%, Cenovus shed 7.5%, Whitecap dropped about 5%. Investors await next week’s earnings from Waste Connections and Fairfax Financial to assess corporate resilience amid Iran war headwinds.

TSX Rises as Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz

The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note fell by nearly 7 basis points to around 4.25% on Friday, approaching one-month lows, as news of the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz helped ease inflation concerns, at least in the short term. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that the strait is now fully open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire. In response, oil prices tumbled more than 10%, prompting traders to increase bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Markets are now pricing in roughly a 50-50 chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut by year-end, up from about a 30% probability on Thursday. This compares with earlier expectations of two rate cuts before the conflict escalated.

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Treasury Yields Fall After Iran Announces Temporary Open of Hormuz

Soybeans decreased to 1152.00 USd/Bu, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Soybeans lost 0.77%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 11.29%.

Soybeans Hits 4-week Low

Silver extended gains on Friday, climbing around 5% to reach $82 per ounce, as investors welcomed news that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to commercial shipping during the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, vessels are required to transit through a “coordinated route,” according to Iran’s maritime authorities, Iran’s foreign minister said. The announcement triggered a sharp drop in oil prices which fell more than 10%, helping to ease inflationary pressures, at least in the short term. Despite the improved sentiment, the broader situation remains fragile. US President Trump stated that the US naval blockade “will remain in full force” until a comprehensive agreement is reached. Silver is now on track to end the week 3.6% higher, marking a fourth consecutive weekly gain and is nearly 30% above its March low, supported by expectations that a more lasting US–Iran agreement could reduce inflation risks and limit the need for central bank tightening.

Silver Prices Rise About 5%

The Ibovespa gained nearly 0.5% to trade above 197,500 on Friday, after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the Strait is now fully open to all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire. Oil prices plummeted and bond yields fell, supporting banking stocks and the broader market. Itaú and Banco do Brasil each rose nearly 2%, while Bradesco gained about 2.5%. In addition, Vale climbed more than 1.5% on resilient Q1 2026 production and sales, prompting Itaú BBA to slightly raise its Ebitda proforma estimate. Utilities also advanced, with Axia and Eneva each up 3%. Other notable gains included Ambev (+1.5%), WEG (+1%), Embraer (+2.5%), and Rede D'Or (+2%). Petrobras, however, slumped over 4% on falling oil prices, shedding earlier gains from the announcement of its acquisition of a stake in offshore block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Ibovespa Rises on Strait of Hormuz Opening

US stock indices rose sharply to new records on Friday after Iran stated that it opened the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian commercial vessels, easing concerns of energy-drive stagflation. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.7%, while the Dow added more than 1%. Crude oil and product prices plunged after Iran and President Trump stated that tanker traffic in the Persian chokepoint is now liberated, paving the way to restore normal levels of energy supply following the shock triggered by the conflict. AI companies surged as the rebound in risk sentiment supported speculative sectors, with Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla gaining more than 1%, while Oracle jumped 3%. In turn, Netflix fell over 10% after its Q2 guidance fell short of expectations. Truist Financial was also lower after posting its earnings. The three main averages were on track for three consecutive weeks of gains over the 3% threshold.

US Stocks Surge to New Records

Gold prices slightly extended gains on Friday, rising more than 1% to above $4,850 per ounce, as investors reacted to news that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to commercial shipping during the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, vessels are required to transit through a “coordinated route,” according to Iran’s maritime authorities, a condition reiterated by the country’s foreign minister. The announcement triggered a sharp drop in oil prices which fell more than 10%, helping to ease inflationary pressures, at least in the short term. Despite the improved sentiment, the broader situation remains fragile. US President Trump stated that the US naval blockade “will remain in full force” until a comprehensive agreement is reached. Gold is now on track to end the week 0.8% higher, marking a fourth consecutive weekly gain, supported by expectations that a more lasting US–Iran agreement could reduce inflation risks and limit the need for central bank tightening.

Gold Prices Edge Up After Iran's Announcement

European natural gas futures plunged more than 8% to below €39 per megawatt hour, the lowest since February 27, after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels during the ceasefire. The announcement boosted hopes that one of the worst energy supply disruptions in recent history may be easing, supporting expectations of de-escalation. The comments followed earlier remarks from President Donald Trump, who said Iranian concessions could help secure a broader peace deal, while adding that a US naval blockade targeting Iran would remain in place until negotiations are fully concluded. The conflict had severely disrupted global LNG flows, with the near closure of Hormuz cutting around a fifth of supply and pushing Asian imports to multi-year lows, potentially easing competition for Europe. Prices were also pressured by warmer weather and stronger wind generation across parts of the region, reducing demand.

TTF Prices Tumble 8%

GSCI decreased to 672.35 Index Points, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, GSCI Commodity Index lost 7.75%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 26.41%.

GSCI Hits 5-week Low

US2000 increased to an all-time high of 2755.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, United States Stock Market Index (US2000) gained 9.68%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 47.72%.

The United States Stock Market Index (US2000) Hit All-time High

Brent crude futures plunged 10% to below $90 per barrel on Friday, hitting near five-week lows after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial traffic during the ceasefire period. The move boosted optimism that one of the most severe global energy supply disruptions in recent history may be easing. The statement followed earlier remarks from President Donald Trump, who said Iranian concessions could pave the way for a broader peace deal. Prices extended losses after reports that the US may release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for enriched uranium stockpiles, with further talks expected this weekend. The market is increasingly pricing in an end to the conflict’s impact on supply, after nearly 50 days of disruption that had choked off a significant share of global oil flows.

Brent Crude Tumbles Below $90

WTI crude futures plunged more than 10% to below $84 per barrel on Friday, hitting near five-week lows after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial traffic during the ceasefire period. The move boosted optimism that one of the most severe global energy supply disruptions in recent history may be easing. The statement followed earlier remarks from President Donald Trump, who said Iranian concessions could pave the way for a broader peace deal. Prices extended losses after reports that the US may release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for enriched uranium stockpiles, with further talks expected this weekend. The market is increasingly pricing in an end to the conflict’s impact on supply, after nearly 50 days of disruption that had choked off a significant share of global oil flows.

Oil Plunges More than 10%

Gold is up by 2%

Gold increased to 4878.00 USD/t.oz, the highest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Gold gained 0.93%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 41.64%.

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