Finance

Energy markets experienced relief as international and domestic benchmarks, including Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude, fell below their recent peaks. Easing energy prices were largely driven by optimized supply logistics in the Gulf region and the anticipation of critical diplomatic talks between the United States and Iranian officials at the United Nations.

Market participants are closely tracking the upcoming diplomatic summit in Washington D.C. between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Investors are keeping tabs on negotiations regarding trade regulations, artificial intelligence developments, and Middle Eastern geopolitical stability, which are highly anticipated to influence market directions.

Shares of McDonald's plummeted by over five percent, reaching their lowest market evaluation since 2022. The sharp contraction occurred after the restaurant chain introduced its new long-term growth initiative alongside warnings of prolonged macroeconomic inflation and stagnant foot traffic.