President Donald Trump stepped back from his previously hardline stance on resuming the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday. At the request of Pakistani authorities, he announced that the current pause in military operations would continue for an indefinite period.
China’s trade surplus narrowed sharply in March, falling to $51.13 billion from $213.62 billion in February, as imports rose on stronger demand for items such as AI chips and infrastructure-related goods, while exports declined.
Shortly after a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed, tensions have resurfaced, with Iran once again refusing to open the Strait of Hormuz.
A conditional ceasefire between the United States and Iran has provided markets with a welcome – if tentative – reprieve following a period of heightened geopolitical tension. The agreement, set to last for two weeks, is contingent on a critical requirement
Markets have once again been on a rollercoaster this week after President Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that he had held positive and encouraging talks with Iranian authorities aimed at ending the war.
On Monday, data from China showed industrial output grew by 6.3% over January-February, up from 5.2% in December. Retail sales also picked up, rising 2.8% compared with 0.9% at the end of 2025.
Markets fell on Monday as investors reacted to developments in the Middle East and rising oil prices, which reignited concerns about renewed energy‑driven inflation. Oil briefly surged to nearly $120 per barrel, its highest level since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Day five of the US–Israel conflict with Iran continues to unfold. Reports suggest that financial markets have reacted largely in line with expectations. Although markets initially reacted calmly on Monday, sentiment weakened considerably yesterday.
The geopolitical landscape shifted over the weekend following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. While military action of this magnitude naturally dominates headlines, tensions in the region have been building for several months.
Markets rallied last week off the back of the recent Supreme Court ruling that declared many of the Trump administration tariffs unlawful. However, the White House has maintained that it will proceed with a new global tariff regime.
