Jim Pollard

Oil over $100 a barrel after little progress appeared to be made in US-China talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. But Tehran welcomes China's offer of help.

China recorded weak consumer demand in April, data released on Monday showed, despite the country's boom in exports such as EVs and solar panels

Beijing confirmed on Tuesday that it will work with the US to set up ‘guard-rails' on safe use of AI. Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed and oil prices remain elevated as the US and Iran discuss a peace settlement.

The deal, which faces a vote by workers in coming days, could then face a legal challenge from company shareholders.

Tech and AI firms pushed the Nikkei to a record high on Friday, with SoftBank leading the way and sentiment buoyed by intensifying talks aimed at peace in the Middle East

Tehran said on Monday progress has been made toward a peace agreement, but noted that a settlement still has a stretch to go. It has hoped to impose a ‘service fee' for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz

Asian markets edged down on Tuesday after US strikes on sites in Iran and vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but talks on a settlement look to be continuing.

Around 78,000 Samsung workers are eligible to receive a bonus of $370,000 this year, thanks to the AI boom. And two other chip firms have hit trillion-dollar status.

Strikes erode hope for prompt settlement of the Gulf war. Meanwhile, the EU fines Temu for illegal products and says it will review a Chinese takeover bid in Germany.

Shares shot up in Japan and Korea on Friday, plus other Asian markets amid hope for a peace settlement between the US and Iran. JD Vance said progress has been made, but the world awaits President Trump's response.