*Good Morning ☕ Market News Update* Dive into the heart of the financial world with our latest Market News Update. Stay informed and one step ahead! Happy Trading! 📊 Market Update – 18 June 2025 Asia: Asian stocks dipped (~0.3%) amid persistently high tension in the Middle East. Japan performed relatively well, buoyed by the Bank of Japan holding rates and slowing bond tapering, though exporters remain hampered by trade headwinds. Indian markets rebounded—Sensex climbed ~200 pts—driven by financial and auto shares despite oil surging and rupee pressure. Commodities & Bonds: Oil continues to surge amid six days of Israel‑Iran conflict: Brent hovered around $76.7, with U.S. crude at $75.2. Gold edged up to ~$3,393/oz, lifted by a soft dollar and safe-haven demand. U.S. Treasury yields dipped—10‑year at ~4.41%—as bond inflows gained on geopolitical fears and cooling U.S. retail sales (-0.9%). Currencies: USD remains strong across the board as investors seek safe assets, the dollar index holding firm. The euro weakened to ~$1.150 and yen hovered near ¥145, both pressured by rising oil costs and haven flows. The rupee is at a 2-month low (~₹86.4/USD), dragged down by high oil prices and expected capital outflows. Central Bank Watch: The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep benchmark rates unchanged today; attention centers on its economic outlook and updated projections. The Bank of Japan held rates steady at 0.5% and confirmed slower bond tapering beginning in 2026, a cautious stance amid global uncertainty. 🔍 Summary: Heightened geopolitical risk linked to the Israel‑Iran conflict has driven a classic risk-off market response: Oil and gold surged, Safe-haven flows lifted bonds and the USD, Equities and EM currencies came under pressure. All eyes now turn to the Fed decision, which could either stabilize or roil markets further.