Asian stocks recorded strong gains on Thursday as markets increased expectations of a deal to end the U.S.-Iran conflict. AI-led demand also boosted stocks in the tech space.
Amidst better-than-expected GDP readings, stocks in China finished trading on a positive note. China's economy expanded 5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, versus 4.5 percent in the fourth quarter and beating market forecasts of 4.8 percent.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.