QtrendsGlobal markets rose on signs of easing Middle East tension, with U.S. equities and Asian markets both pushing to record or near-record levels. China's May data showed a mixed picture, as retail sales weakened while industrial output and express delivery growth held up, and fixed-asset investment remained under pressure. Japan's central bank raised rates to their highest level since 1995, yet the Nikkei continued to surge past 70,000 amid broad risk appetite. AI remained a major business and technology theme, driving hiring demand, model development, and new applications such as sports prediction.
U.S. and Asian equities rallied as investors welcomed signs of progress on the U.S.-Iran deal. The Dow finished at a record high, while Japan's Nikkei 225 also hit a new peak. Oil prices fell as tensions eased and risk sentiment improved. The move lifted broader market confidence across regions.
China's consumer spending weakened in May, with retail sales falling for the first time in more than three years. The data pointed to softer domestic demand even as authorities continue efforts to stabilize growth. China Daily's data on the first five months suggested total retail sales still remained large in absolute terms. The contrast highlights the uneven nature of the recovery.
China's industrial sector showed steadier momentum in May, with value-added industrial output rising 4.5% year on year. Express delivery activity also expanded, suggesting parts of the real economy remained resilient. But fixed-asset investment fell in the first five months, underscoring persistent weakness in investment demand. The data point to a split recovery across sectors.
Asian markets traded higher even as the Bank of Japan raised interest rates to the highest level since 1995. Japan's Nikkei crossed 70,000, reflecting investor optimism despite the policy move. The rally suggests markets are still focused on earnings momentum and liquidity conditions. Rate normalization has not yet derailed risk appetite.
AI is boosting hiring and opening new roles, but the biggest gains are not reaching entry-level workers evenly. Coverage also points to China's lead in world-model development, a frontier in AI research that could shape future systems. Beyond core research, AI is spreading into practical uses such as World Cup prediction. The theme underscores both commercial momentum and rising competition in applied AI.