Stocks in Asia climbed to a record high as optimism that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will restore oil flows and curb inflation pressures buoyed risk appetite.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 0.1%, heading for a sixth day of gains. The Kospi jumped more than 2.5%. US equity futures edged lower after the S&P 500 climbed 1.1% and the Nasdaq 100 gained 2.5% Thursday. A gauge of chip stocks surged more than 6% to an all-time high, led by Intel Corp., after President Donald Trump said the company would work with Apple Inc. to design and manufacture semiconductors in the US.

Markets in the US, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are shut for holidays on Friday.

Brent fell toward $79 a barrel. Prices have tumbled by more than 9% this week as the US-Iran interim peace deal saw shipping through the Strait of Hormuz start to return to normal, easing the global crude market’s biggest ever supply shock. Attention now shifts to talks over Tehran’s nuclear program and the durability of the ceasefire.

“The progress toward releasing oil supply from the Persian Gulf has supported equity prices,” said Ian Lyngen at BMO Capital Markets. “Lower energy costs have also eased forward inflationary concerns and led to meaningful declines in longer-dated Treasury yields.”

Earlier Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social that “oil is flowing.” US Vice President JD Vance downplayed concerns Iran could eventually impose tolls on traffic through the vital energy waterway.
Two-year Treasury yields steadied at around 4.18% on Thursday, after hitting the highest in over a year Wednesday when traders ramped up bets on future interest-rate hikes following after the Federal Reserve’s hawkish hold.Meanwhile, 30-year US notes rallied in a sign the market believes inflation will be contained over the longer term, with yields declining three basis points to 4.9%. There is no cash trading in Treasuries during Asian hours due to the US holiday.

Should lower energy costs continue to filter through to inflation data, policymakers may ultimately find sufficient justification to keep rates unchanged for an extended period rather than hiking, according to Fawad Razaqzada at Forex.com.

“My view remains that inflation should moderate gradually over the coming months, and this might allow the Fed to maintain current policy settings rather than implement fresh tightening,” he said.

Meantime, the Bank of England held rates at 3.75%, saying the recent drop in oil prices was “encouraging,” even as two of the nine policymakers voted for an immediate quarter-point hike over concerns of persistent inflation.

Gold prices edged lower on Friday and were on track for a third consecutive weekly decline, as a stronger dollar and hawkish signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve weighed on the non-yielding metal.

FUNDAMENTALS

* Spot gold was down 0.5% at $4,189.26 per ounce, as of 0043 GMT. U.S. gold futures for August delivery ‌fell 0.9% ⁠to $4,207.80.

* ⁠The dollar hovered around a one-year high, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for other currency holders. [USD/]

* Oil tankers sailed through the Strait of Hormuz and the United States said it lifted its blockade on Iran on Thursday as an interim deal to end the war took effect, though key issues are still unresolved between the two countries.

* Inflationary ⁠pressures stemming ‌from the Iran war are becoming too strong for central banks worldwide to ignore. A growing number, led by the ⁠U.S. Federal Reserve, have either raised borrowing costs or signalled imminent moves to tame price growth.
* Nine of the U.S. central bank’s 19 policymakers now believe they will need to raise the policy rate this year, according to projections published on Wednesday after the Fed announced its decision to leave the policy rate in its current 3.50%-3.75% range in Kevin Warsh’s debut ‌policy meeting as chairman.
* Goldman Sachs expects gold prices to rise to $4,900 per ounce by December, lower than its earlier forecast of $5,400, as the bank ⁠doesn’t expect a Fed rate cut this year anymore.
* Meanwhile, Dubai’s commodities exchange CEO told Reuters that it will launch a same-day settlement gold futures contract on Monday, aiming to tap safe-haven demand and faster trading infrastructure to boost liquidity in the emirate’s bullion market.

* Spot silver fell 0.8% to $65.32 per ounce, platinum lost 0.9% to $1,680.87, and palladium was down 0.5% at $1,272.

DATA/EVENTS (GMT)

0600 UK Retails Sales MM, YY May

0600 UK Retail Sales Ex-Fuel MM May

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran would ease an energy crisis that has sapped economic growth and fueled inflation worldwide. 

Still, one of the surprises of the monthslong closure of the Middle East’s most critical energy conduit was that the global economy didn’t suffer a more severe shock. The pain wasn’t as swift or intense as it was following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 or the oil crises that rocked the world in the 1970s. 

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Chobani is bringing a Dubai chocolate-inspired coffee creamer to Costco stores nationwide, becoming the latest food and beverage company to capitalize on consumer demand for the viral flavor combination.

The yogurt maker’s new Pistachio Chocolate Coffee Creamer joins a growing list of Dubai chocolate-inspired products that have emerged as the trend expands beyond candy into coffee, shakes and other beverages. Companies including Starbucks, Shake Shack and Pepsi have all introduced products tied to the pistachio-and-chocolate flavor profile that gained popularity on social media.

Dubai chocolate typically refers to chocolate bars filled with pistachio cream and crispy kataifi pastry. The confection gained widespread attention on social media before inspiring a growing number of spin-off products across the food and beverage industry.

COSTCO SHOPPERS STOCK UP ON CULT-FAVORITE COOKIES AS DEMAND SURGES NATIONWIDE

The new creamer is part of Chobani’s limited-run Flavor Drop line and will be sold exclusively at Costco. The company said the product features flavors of roasted pistachio and milk chocolate and is made with farm-fresh milk and real cream.

Retail exclusives and limited-time offerings have become increasingly common tools for consumer brands looking to generate buzz and drive sales. The strategy can also help companies test consumer demand for new products before considering a wider rollout.

The launch comes as food and beverage companies increasingly look to limited-edition products and viral food trends to drive consumer engagement and retail sales. Industry brands have moved quickly to introduce Dubai chocolate-inspired offerings as consumers continue to seek out products tied to the trend.

COSTCO SAYS ITS GAS STATIONS SET ALL-TIME VOLUME RECORDS AS CONSUMERS SEEK LOWER-PRICED FUEL

Chobani has expanded its creamer lineup in recent months with several seasonal and limited-edition flavors, including S’mores, Cookies and Cream and Cookie Butter. Earlier this year, the company also introduced an American Blueberry Flavor Drop tied to the upcoming America250 celebration.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
COST	COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP.	951.45	-14.14	-1.46%

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The Pistachio Chocolate creamer is arriving at Costco warehouses nationwide. Chobani said the suggested retail price is $7.49 for a 52-ounce bottle, though pricing may vary by location.

The product’s release underscores the staying power of the Dubai chocolate trend, which has evolved from a social media sensation into a broader consumer packaged goods opportunity as brands compete for shoppers’ attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

ET Intelligence Group: Turtlemint Fintech Solutions, an insurance distribution platform, plans to raise ₹661 crore through a fresh issue to strengthen its technology infrastructure and meet working capital requirements, and ₹221 crore through an offer for sale. The promoter stake will fall to 14% after the IPO from 17.2%. The low penetration of financial products offer growth opportunity for the company. However, it has reported losses over the past three years as it continues to invest in expanding reach. It operates in a tightly regulated industry and any adverse changes or commission structures may affect growth prospects. Given these factors, investors may wait for a better clarity on financials after listing.

Business
Incorporated in 2015, Turtlemint Fintech Solutions operates a technology platform that connects insurers, digital partners, point of sales persons (PoSPs) and end customers. It distributes a range of products including motor, health and life insurance, along with mutual funds and loans. Insurance distribution contributed about 97% to revenue in the nine months ended December 2025. Turtlemint partners with around 45 insurers, covering nearly three-fourths of the industry, and has issued over 2.1 crore policies between April 2022 and December 2025. It has strengthened presence in smaller cities with nearly 75% of platform premium coming from outside the top 30 cities as of December 2025.

Nearly all of Turtlemint’s revenue comes from commissions, rewards and fees earned from insurers and other financial service providers. Any reduction in commission structures by insurers or the regulator may hit its revenue and profitability.

Financials
Revenue rose to ₹749 crore in the nine months ended December 2025 from ₹693 crore in FY25 and ₹460 crore in FY23. Its platform premium increased to ₹2,946 crore in FY25 from ₹2,215 crore in FY23. Net loss narrowed to ₹194 crore in FY25 from ₹288 crore in FY23. The company continues to burn cash, reporting negative operating cash flow of around ₹216 crore in FY25 as against ₹285 crore in FY23, driven by high customer acquisition and distribution expenses.

Valuation
On a post-IPO basis, the company is valued at a price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 4.5 times, compared with 11 times of PB Fintech.

A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Ohio can enforce a law requiring parental consent before children under 16 can use social media, handing a victory to state officials who argue the platforms pose risks to young users.

In a 2-1 decision, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower-court ruling that had blocked enforcement of Ohio’s Social Media Parental Notification Act. The dissenting judge argued that the law likely imposes unconstitutional restrictions on minors’ access to protected speech, reflecting concerns that had previously led a lower court to block the measure.

The law, which was passed by the Ohio legislature in 2023 and took effect in 2024, requires certain websites and social media platforms to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before users under 16 can create or use accounts.

The measure includes an 11-factor test for determining whether a website is likely to be accessed by children, along with several exceptions.

MARK ZUCKERBERG ADMITS META HAS ‘MADE MISTAKES’ AS AI OVERHAUL RESHAPES 20% OF ITS WORKFORCE: REPORT

Ohio officials have said the law is intended to protect children from online harms, including exposure to harmful content, excessive social media use and data-collection practices

The law was put on hold following a legal challenge by NetChoice, a technology industry trade group whose members include YouTube, TikTok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

NetChoice argued that the law was unconstitutionally vague and improperly restricted minors’ access to speech protected by the First Amendment. The group has also argued that age-verification and parental-consent requirements can force users to disclose personal information before accessing protected online speech.

The appeals court disagreed.

“At bottom, the Act imposes a parental consent requirement,” U.S. Circuit Judge Eric Clay wrote in the court’s lead opinion.

META THREATENS TO PULL FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FROM NEW MEXICO OVER CHILD SAFETY TRIAL REQUIREMENTS

“That requirement constitutes a marginal burden that precisely targets the multi-faceted problem that Ohio has identified: Children’s unsupervised assent to terms and conditions for use of platforms that take advantage of and harm them,” he added.

In a statement provided to FOX Business, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson called the ruling a “win for Ohio families.”

“The court agreed that parents — not social media companies — should get a say in what kids see online,” Wilson said. “We have an obligation to keep our children safe, and today, the most dangerous place for our kids is the internet.”

“This decision gives parents the tools to be involved and provide oversight,” he added.

STATES SECURE $23M FROM ROBLOX, MANDATE STRICTER PROTECTIONS FOR YOUNG USERS: ‘THE RIGHT THING TO DO’

NetChoice has mounted legal challenges to similar laws across the country aimed at restricting children’s access to social media.

NetChoice criticized the ruling in a statement to FOX Business, arguing that it threatens the privacy and constitutional rights of Ohio residents. The group said it remains “fully confident” that the law will ultimately be struck down.

“An unconstitutional law protects no one, and we remain focused on ensuring the First Amendment rights of Ohioans are protected,” Paul Taske, director of the NetChoice Litigation Center, said in a statement.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“Parents must remain in the drivers’ seat for parenting decisions,” Taske continued. “Ohio cannot step in and make those decisions in the first instance. But Ohio’s digital-ID law discards that constitutionally required dynamic. By requiring parents to override the government’s determination, Ohio has violated bedrock First Amendment principles.”

Taske said NetChoice is reviewing its legal options moving forward.

Reuters contributed to this report.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CEFS, FOF, NBXG either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Costco shoppers are snapping up a popular Australian snack that recently landed on shelves across the United States, highlighting growing demand for international food brands among American consumers.

Tim Tams, the chocolate-covered biscuits made by Australian food giant Arnott’s, are now available in bulk packages at Costco warehouses nationwide. The product’s arrival has generated significant attention online, with shoppers sharing photos of stocked shelves and discussing the cookies across social media.

The Original Tim Tam features two malted chocolate biscuits layered with a cocoa-flavored filling and coated in chocolate. The brand, which has been a staple in Australia since 1964, has developed a loyal following well beyond its home market.

Costco is selling the product in six-sleeve boxes containing 66 cookies for about $14, giving American consumers broader access to a snack that was previously available primarily through specialty retailers and international food stores.

COSTCO QUIETLY ROLLS BACK PRICES ON POPULAR KIRKLAND PRODUCTS IN MEMBER-FRIENDLY MOVE

Social media has played a key role in driving interest. Many first-time buyers have been introduced to the “Tim Tam Slam,” a popular Australian tradition in which consumers bite off opposite corners of the biscuit, use it as a straw to sip coffee or tea, and then eat the softened cookie before it dissolves.

The technique has gained visibility through TikTok videos and celebrity demonstrations. Australian actress Isla Fisher previously showcased the Tim Tam Slam on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” while “Succession” star Sarah Snook demonstrated the ritual during an appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

The viral appeal of Tim Tams underscores a broader trend of international food brands finding new audiences in the U.S., particularly when social media helps introduce consumers to products and traditions that may be unfamiliar outside their home countries.

For Costco, the launch also reflects the retailer’s ongoing effort to offer members products they may not find elsewhere. The warehouse giant has increasingly leaned on exclusive items, limited-time offerings and its Kirkland Signature private-label brand to differentiate itself from traditional grocery chains and competing warehouse clubs.

COSTCO SAYS ITS GAS STATIONS SET ALL-TIME VOLUME RECORDS AS CONSUMERS SEEK LOWER-PRICED FUEL

The Tim Tams rollout comes as Costco continues emphasizing value for shoppers. The retailer recently highlighted price reductions on several Kirkland Signature products, including chicken wings, chocolate-covered almonds and golf balls, as executives reiterated their goal of lowering prices when possible.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The combination of exclusive products, private-label offerings and competitive pricing has helped Costco maintain strong consumer demand even as many households remain focused on stretching their grocery budgets.

Costco has also invested in operational improvements, including expanded digital membership capabilities and checkout technology designed to improve transaction speeds and enhance the customer experience.

Facebook and other Meta platforms faced significant service disruptions Friday, with thousands of users reporting difficulties accessing feeds, logging in and using core features of the social network.

The outage, which began in the morning hours, impacted users across the United States and several other countries. Reports surged on monitoring sites, with many describing blank screens, error messages and frozen interfaces when attempting to load the platform.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, confirmed awareness of the technical issues. Communications officials noted teams were actively working to restore full functionality, though specific details about the cause remained limited.

Outage tracking service Downdetector recorded more than 100,000 reports of Facebook problems at peak times, with similar spikes for Instagram and Messenger. The issues appeared to affect both mobile apps and website access for many users.

The disruption comes amid growing reliance on Meta’s platforms for communication, business operations and information sharing. Small businesses, news organizations and individual users reported challenges managing pages, posting content and engaging with audiences during the outage.

Meta has not released a detailed explanation for the service interruption. Previous widespread outages have been attributed to configuration changes, server issues or network problems within the company’s global infrastructure.

Users took to alternative platforms like X to share experiences and seek updates. Many expressed frustration over lost productivity and inability to access personal accounts during the disruption.

The outage highlights vulnerabilities in centralized social media networks that billions rely upon daily. Meta’s platforms serve more than 3 billion users monthly across its family of apps, making service reliability critical for global connectivity.

For businesses dependent on Facebook advertising and e-commerce features, the downtime represented potential revenue impacts. Advertising managers reported difficulties accessing campaign tools and analytics during peak business hours.

Meta’s stock experienced minor fluctuations amid the reports, though broader market movements likely influenced trading activity. The company has faced increasing scrutiny over platform reliability, content moderation and competition concerns in recent years.

This incident marks one of several notable Meta outages in recent memory. Previous disruptions have prompted calls for greater transparency and improved backup systems to prevent widespread service failures.

Users experiencing problems were advised to check their internet connections, update apps and wait for Meta’s resolution. Many reported gradual restoration of service as the company addressed underlying technical issues.

The event serves as a reminder of digital infrastructure’s fragility despite advances in cloud computing and redundancy measures. As social media integrates deeper into daily life, expectations for uninterrupted service continue to rise.

Meta officials have committed to investigating the root cause and implementing preventive measures. The company typically provides post-incident summaries outlining what went wrong and steps taken to avoid future occurrences.

For now, affected users await full restoration while turning to alternative communication methods. The outage underscores both the convenience and vulnerability of relying on single platforms for social interaction and information exchange.