Global stocks rise on U.S.-Iran peace hopes and AI-chip demand; oil slides

Global stock markets rose on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, asourceser reports the United States and Iran were nearing a potential agreement to end fighting in the Gulf. Technology shares also gained amid continued optimism about demand tied to artificial intelligence.

Oil prices fell on the peace headlines, with Brent crude trading as low as $100 a barrel. MSCI’s all-country index hit an all-time high.

Gulf talks and oil

Reports said a one-page memorandum between the U.S. and Iran could include provisions to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Equities gain across regions

Wall Street futures rose and European shares advanced to a two-week high.

In Asia, South Korea’s KOSPI surpassed the 7,000 mark for the first time, helped by a semiconductor rally. Samsung Electronics rose 12%, pushing its market capitalization above $1 trillion.

U.S. stocks also recorded fresh highs on Tuesday. Intel jumped 13% on reports it was in talks with Apple to produce main processors, while AMD leapt 16% asourceser boosting demand forecasts.

Bonds and currencies

Long-dated government bonds were under pressure, with the U.S. 30-year Treasury yield briefly topping 5%.

The Japanese yen also jumped, touching 155 per dollar amid speculation of intervention by Tokyo to support the currency.