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May 25, 2026 · Evening edition
Global stock markets experienced gains and crude oil prices dropped significantly on Monday amid increasing optimism that the United States and Iran are nearing a deal to end their conflict, which would include reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations were 'proceeding nicely,' although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned against rushing an agreement, emphasizing that diplomacy would be given every chance. The potential agreement is expected to ease pressure on global energy prices, which have been elevated due to the conflict and the closure of the strait, and has contributed to a positive shift in risk sentiment across international markets.
Global stock markets pushed higher and crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday as investors priced in growing hopes that the United States and Iran are nearing a deal to end their conflict — a pact that could include reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said negotiations were "proceeding nicely," comments that helped lift risk sentiment across international markets. At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged caution, warning against rushing an agreement and saying diplomacy should be given every chance. Market participants said a ceasefire and reopening of the strait would relieve pressure on energy markets that had been bid up by the closure and conflict.
The market reaction came against the backdrop of lighter US trading activity: US financial markets were closed on May 25, 2026, for the Memorial Day holiday, a factor that influenced the character and volume of moves reported globally.
The diplomatic headlines coincided with a string of other economic developments that underscore shifting dynamics in global finance. Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, announced plans to launch a token pegged to the Georgian lari with the explicit support of the Georgian government. The company said the initiative aims to bolster cross‑border commerce, fintech development and digital payments in Georgia, though it did not fully disclose the details of the government partnership — a rare form of private‑public collaboration distinct from central bank digital currencies.
In Mexico, April trade data showed exports reached their highest level on record since 1980, helping the country post a trade surplus of $4.52 billion for the month. Non‑petroleum exports — driven by manufacturing — accounted for much of the surge, with more than 83% of those goods destined for the United States, highlighting Mexico's deep integration into North American supply chains.
Global equity markets advanced and crude oil prices fell on Monday as growing optimism mounted that the United States and Iran were nearing an agreement to end their conflict, a deal that could include reopening the str…
Read full articleTether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, announced plans to introduce a new token pegged to the Georgian lari, to be known as GELT, with the explicit support of the Georgian government.
Read full articleMexico's trade surplus widened sharply in April to $4.52 billion as exports climbed to their highest level on record since 1980.
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Taiwan's financial regulator also weighed in on regional economic strategy, urging the island's roughly US$630 billion asset management sector to scale up to compete as a regional financial hub. Financial Supervisory Commission Chairman Peng Jin‑lung said the industry should leverage Taiwan's strengths in technology and domestic capital pools to build greater scale, a push motivated by both economic opportunity and geopolitical pressures from Beijing.
Together, the diplomatic thaw between Washington and Tehran and these policy and market developments have created a cautiously optimistic tone across markets. Traders and policymakers will be watching closely to see whether diplomatic progress holds and how the broader set of structural shifts — from digital‑asset experimentation to manufacturing and financial‑sector consolidation — reshape global economic flows.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has called on the island's US$630 billion asset management industry to scale up in order to compete more effectively as a regional financial hub.
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