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.
June 18, 2026 10:21 ETA report released by the Conference Board on Thursday showed its reading on leading U.S. economic indicators edged higher for the second straight month in May. The Conference Board said its leading economic index inched up by 0.1 percent in May after rising by 0.2 percent in April. The uptick matched economist estimates.
June 18, 2026 11:15 ETStocks have moved sharply higher during trading on Thursday, largely offsetting the weakness seen late in the previous session. The major averages have all moved back to the upside, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq leading the rebound. Currently, the major averages are off their highs of the session but still firmly positive.
June 18, 2026 06:01 ETGold prices were a tad higher on Thursday as easing geopolitical tensions offset pressure from a stronger dollar and higher Treasury yields. Spot gold edged up 0.3 percent to $4,268.61 an ounce, after having fallen 1.7 percent on Wednesday on the back of hawkish Fed policy and upbeat retail sales...
June 18, 2026 08:07 ETSentiment in global markets remains mixed as an easing in geopolitical tensions attributed to the peace deal signed between the U.S. and Iran as well as renewed worries about interest rates going up, both impacted market sentiment.