Japan April Retail Sales +2.4% y/y (expected +1.9%)

TSMC's 72% chip market share fuels 45% profit margins & 30% revenue growth. A near-monopoly.

Oil rises as Trump ultimatum to Iran fuels Hormuz escalation risks Bullish for oil and energy equities; risks spillover into inflation expectations and safe-haven flows (gold, USD)

Gulf shipping risks rise after blast near vessel off UAE Sharjah coast Bullish for oil via elevated risk premium; negative for shipping and insurers,

Fitch cut New Zealand’s outlook to negative, citing rising debt and delayed fiscal repair. Debt seen peaking near 56% of GDP by FY27, with surplus pushed to FY30. NZ bond yields hit ~1-year highs as markets price increased fiscal risk.

EV makers slash targets! High costs & low demand hit valuations. Will legacy auto regain ground?

NOW down 25% on AI fears, but its $600M AI suite & 20%+ growth signal a strong rebound.

CVX offers integrated ops & 3.5% dividend yield vs. OXY's U.S. focus & 1.8% yield. CVX shows better growth visibility.