Global Oil Prices Ended The Week With A Decline Of Roughly 8%

On Friday, by the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.14% (weekly +0.81%). The S&P 500 Index (US500) gained 1.08% (weekly +1.21%). The Technology Index Nasdaq (US100) closed higher by 2.48% (weekly +3.49%).

The upcoming week in the United States will be packed with important economic releases, with the key focus on May data for personal income and spending. Consumer spending is expected to accelerate to 0.6%, while incomes are projected to recover by 0.4% after stagnating the previous month. Investors will pay particular attention to the core PCE price index – the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge – which is forecast to accelerate to 0.3% month‑over‑month. Such dynamics confirm the justification behind the Fed’s recent upward revision of inflation predictions for 2026 and keep markets on edge regarding future interest rates. Beyond the consumer sector, market participants will evaluate preliminary June PMI business activity indices from S&P Global, where services are expected to strengthen while manufacturing shows a slight slowdown, as well as durable goods orders, which may decline by 4.7% after April’s surge. Also in focus will be the final Q1 GDP estimate, housing market data, and the publication of annual stress‑test results for the 32 largest US banks.

European indices closed higher on Friday. By the end of the day, Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.16% (weekly -0.33%), France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down by 0.55% (weekly -0.48%), Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) declined by 0.29% (weekly +1.65%), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) ended the session down by 0.35% (weekly -1.03%). This week in Europe will be relatively calm in terms of macroeconomic data, with the key event being the release of preliminary June PMI indices. In the Eurozone, a deeper contraction in manufacturing is expected, alongside a slower decline in services, indicating gradual stabilization of overall business conditions. Against this backdrop, Germany may show a local improvement in sentiment – analysts forecast an increase in both the GfK consumer climate index and the Ifo business climate index.

Platinum prices (XPT) fell to around 1,660 dollars per ounce, hitting a seven‑month low amid geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. On one hand, investors reacted cautiously to the US and Iran agreeing on a 60‑day “roadmap” toward a peace deal, as the viability of the arrangement was immediately questioned due to escalating threats over the Lebanon conflict and Tehran’s statements about potentially re‑closing the Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, the metal faced strong pressure from the strengthening US dollar following hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve, where nearly half of committee members now expect rate hikes before year‑end, with market pricing in a tightening as early as September.

Global Brent crude prices ended the week down roughly 8%, falling toward 80 dollars per barrel. The main driver behind the decline was the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which removed a significant portion of the geopolitical risk premium and opened the door to broader diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran. However, uncertainty remains high due to the cancellation of planned negotiations in Switzerland and new statements from Tehran, which has required vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to purchase insurance policies – effectively tightening its control over this strategic artery.

On Friday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 0.28% (weekly +6.69%), China’s FTSE China A50 closed higher by 0.35% (weekly -0.58%), Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 1.59% (weekly -2.35%), and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) closed lower by 0.92% (weekly -0.88%).

In the Asia‑Pacific region, the key event will be the expected decision of the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), which is prognosed to keep the one‑year and five‑year LPR loan rates unchanged at 3.0% and 3.5%, respectively, while investors will also assess May industrial profit data. Meanwhile, Australia’s macroeconomic calendar will be filled with labor market data, household spending figures, and preliminary June PMI readings, but the main trigger for the Australian dollar will be the May inflation report, where the annual rate is expected to accelerate to 4.3%. Finally, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia will publish additional trade and inflation statistics, while the Bank of Thailand is expected to conclude the regional agenda by keeping its policy rate unchanged.

• S&P 500 (US500) 7,500.58 +80.48 (+1.08%)

• Dow Jones (US30) 51,564.70 +72.15 (+0.14%)

• DAX (DE40) 24,985.82 -40.98 (-0.16%)

• FTSE 100 (UK100) 10,363.27 -36.43 (-0.35%)

• USD Index 100.76 -0.09 (-0.09%)

News feed for: 2026.06.22

• China Loan Prime Rate at 04:00 (GMT+3) – CHA50, HK50 (HIGH)

• Canada Inflation Rate (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3) – CAD (HIGH)

• Eurozone ECB President Lagarde Speaks at 15:30 (GMT+3) – EUR (LOW)