Asia’s move away from the U.S. dollar is gaining momentum, with ASEAN nations pledging to boost local currency usage in trade and investment. According to Bank of America, de-dollarization in the region is expected to accelerate, driven by geopolitical tensions, U.S. sanctions, and currency volatility. The dollar's global forex reserve share has dropped from over 70% in 2000 to 57.8% in 2024. BRICS nations, especially China, are promoting yuan-based trade settlements. Analysts say hedging by Asian institutional investors is driving demand for currencies like the yen, won, and Taiwan dollar, though the dollar remains dominant in global trade invoicing. (PC: Reuters)

At the 2025 Adani AGM, Chairman Gautam Adani denied all US bribery allegations, asserting that no group member violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or obstructed justice. He honored the Indian armed forces and remembered the recent Air India crash. Adani revealed plans for a record $15–20 billion annual capital expenditure over five years to boost infrastructure. Meanwhile, Adani Airports Holdings confirmed securing $1 billion in project financing for Mumbai International Airport. Adani Enterprises posted a 752% YoY profit surge in Q4 FY25, driven by a one-time gain. Shares of all Adani firms were trading higher ahead of the AGM. (PC: India Today)

The Indian rupee surged 65 paise to 86.13 against the US dollar on Tuesday, driven by falling crude oil prices and hopes of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Brent crude dropped 2.73% to $69.53 per barrel after US President Trump announced a ceasefire deal, though Iran has yet to confirm it. A weaker dollar and strong domestic equity market further supported the rupee. Sensex rose 930.7 points to 82,827.49 and Nifty gained 278.95 points to 25,250.85. Forex experts also await Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony, which could signal upcoming interest rate cuts in the US. (PC: X)

Former Union Minister and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran has issued a legal notice to his elder brother Kalanithi Maran, chairman of the ₹24,000 crore Sun TV Network, alleging fraudulent transfer of lakhs of shares in 2003 to himself without proper valuation or approval . The notice demands restoring the pre‑September 2003 ownership structure—equal stakes between the Maran family and Karunanidhi’s heirs—and seeks reversal of dividends and assets accumulated over ₹8,500 crore . Shares fell over 4% following the news . Dayanidhi warns of civil, criminal, regulatory action including SFIO and SEBI complaints. (PC: Tradingview)

Rising hostilities between Israel and Iran have pushed U.S. oil prices to near five-month highs—about $73 per barrel—with potential to reach $120 if Iran targets vital transit zones like the Strait of Hormuz . Industry experts warn U.S. gasoline prices could jump 10–25 cents per gallon within days, impacting millions of drivers ahead of the July 4 holiday . While economists expect a limited effect on inflation and see markets weathering short-term volatility, escalation in the Gulf could trigger broader economic strain.

Poundland has been sold for just £1 to Gordon Brothers, with a rescue package including up to £80 million in financing and a major restructuring. The deal puts around 100 of its 800 UK stores, and thousands of jobs, at risk. Before the sale, 18 closures were already confirmed 14 completed, and four more imminent: Barrow-in‑Furness (June 12), Union Gate Bristol (June 20), Flint (June 21), Cowes (July), and Newquay (August 1). Poundland’s revenue dropped 6.5% to £830 million in H1 2025, and the broader UK retail sector is under strain as 17,350 closures and 202,000 job losses are forecast this year. Despite this, Poundland will continue trading under its current brand. (PC: Daily Express)

India has instructed IREL, the state-run miner, to pause a 13-year rare-earth export agreement with Japan, reallocating materials like neodymium for domestic industries to reduce dependence on China . In 2024, IREL supplied over 1,000 MT out of its 2,900 MT output to Japan—nearly one-third of its production . With China imposing export curbs since April, India plans to boost domestic mining and processing, targeting 450 MT of neodymium by fiscal 2026 and doubling output by 2030 . The government is also considering incentives for local rare-earth magnet facilities and negotiating diplomatically to amend the bilateral deal with Japan. (PC: Reuters)

Boeing’s share price plunged over 6.5% in pre-market trading following the crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad on June 12. The tragedy, which claimed dozens of lives, also impacted Indian aviation stocks. IndiGo fell 3% to ₹5,465, while SpiceJet slipped 1.5% in afternoon trading. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian and 53 British nationals. Air India has issued a passenger information hotline: 1800 5691 444. Market analysts expect further turbulence for aviation stocks as investigations into the cause of the crash continue. Government agencies remain on high alert. (PC: Money Control)

At Toyota’s annual shareholder meeting on June 12, Chairman Akio Toyoda is facing tough questions over a $33 billion proposal to take key supplier Toyota Industries private. Critics, including Zennor Asset Management and Oasis Management, contend the 16,300 yen/share offer undervalues minority investors, especially given Toyota Industries’ ¥1.5 trillion in assets. Toyota insists the deal benefits all stakeholders, and executives defended it over two hours, their longest AGM ever. The plan forms a new holding company funded by Toyota Motor, Toyota Fudosan, and Toyoda himself. Governance watchdogs remain skeptical: shareholder support for Toyoda dropped from 96% in 2022 to 72% in 2024. The meeting’s outcome could reshape perceptions of Toyota’s corporate governance credibility. (PC: Reuters)

President Trump announced on June 11, 2025, a landmark trade deal with China: Beijing will resume exports of critical rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S., while American tariffs on Chinese goods will surge to 55%, compared to China's planned 10% on U.S. imports . In return, the U.S. will continue allowing Chinese students to enroll in its universities . The agreement builds upon a 90‑day tariff truce brokered in Geneva and is now pending final approval by Presidents Trump and Xi . Analysts caution that enforcement details, export‑control relaxations, and geopolitical guards remain to be negotiated in follow‑up talks. (PC: NDTV)