International Recap, June 17: Easing Oil Prices and Steady Rate Outlook Help Lift International Markets

Global equities outside the U.S. gained as easing oil prices and stable interest-rate expectations improved risk appetite. The FTSE 100 rose 0.14% to 10,509 and the Nikkei 225 climbed 0.72% to 69,902, with broader developed-market benchmarks also supported. In the UK, financials and industrials led the advance, while Japanese shares benefited from a resilient earnings backdrop and continued AI-related buying even after the Bank of Japan’s expected rate hike to 1.0%. The article also highlights the larger market implication of potential Middle East de-escalation: U.S. details on an Iran memorandum of understanding could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease pressure on crude exports, helping keep oil lower. The U.S. Fed held rates steady at 3.5% to 3.75%, reinforcing the view that global policy remains broadly supportive for risk assets.