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 16:11 ETAfter coming under pressure late in the previous session, stocks showed a significant move back to the upside in early trading on Thursday and continued to turn in a strong performance throughout the day. The rebound on Wall Street partly reflected a positive reaction to news the U.S. and Iran have officially signed a preliminary agreement to end the Middle East war.
June 18, 2026 14:39 ETReversing the gains from yesterday's session, crude oil prices have edged lower on Thursday following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of the free flow of oil from the gulf. Concerns related to early restoration of output in Arab nations restricted the downside movement.
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.