In this global business news roundup, we highlight major developments from June 9 to June 15, 2025. The week brought cautious optimism, with market gains, AI advancements, and policy shifts. Trade talks between the U.S. and China dominated headlines, alongside inflation data and oil price spikes.

U.S. Markets and Economic Data

On June 9, the S&P 500 briefly exceeded 6,000 points. It was the highest level since February. The Nasdaq also gained, led by Tesla and semiconductor stocks. Apple fell after muted announcements at WWDC. Tesla rose nearly 4% after bullish remarks from CEO Elon Musk.

Markets reacted positively to U.S.–China trade talks in London. Officials discussed easing export restrictions, especially on Chinese rare earths. Stocks in China’s resource sector climbed in response.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index improved. It rose to 60.5 from 52.2 in May. Lower gas prices and easing trade fears drove the shift. Still, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices sharply higher.

Brent crude jumped 9% after an Israeli strike on Iran. It was the largest single-day increase in four months. The spike raised concerns about renewed inflation. The Federal Reserve is likely to hold rates steady at 4.25–4.50%.

Global Economic Forecasts

The World Bank lowered its 2025 global growth outlook to 2.3%. Policy uncertainty and U.S. tariffs were cited as key risks. The OECD also revised forecasts. It expects world growth to average just 2.9% in 2025–26.

The U.S. outlook fell from 2.2% to around 1.6%. In the UK, GDP declined 0.3% in April. British exports to the U.S. fell, partly due to new tariffs. Despite weak data, UK equities hit record highs, led by energy and gold stocks.

Asia-Pacific Updates

China reported deflation in May. Factory prices fell 3.3% from a year earlier. Consumer prices also dropped by 0.1%. Deflation concerns are growing.

Vietnam continued trade talks with the U.S. Its surplus rose 42% year-over-year in May. Washington wants better balance before tariff extensions in July.

Japan’s Q1 GDP was revised upward. Still, output contracted at a 0.2% annualized pace. Tariffs on Japanese cars are expected next month.

India cut interest rates by 50 basis points. The Reserve Bank of India lowered its benchmark rate to 5.5%. May inflation was just 3.0%, creating room for easing.

Tech and Corporate Moves

OpenAI announced a major deal with Google Cloud. This partnership supplements its existing work with Microsoft Azure. Alphabet’s stock rose 2% after the news.

OpenAI reached a $10 billion annualized revenue run rate. Demand for generative AI tools remains high. The company continues to grow rapidly.

Meta invested in Scale AI, taking a 49% stake. Scale’s valuation jumped to $29 billion. Google and Microsoft have reconsidered their partnerships with Scale.

Amazon revealed a $13 billion data center expansion in Australia. This includes three solar plants. It is the company’s biggest regional investment.

Markets, Commodities, and Crypto

Oil volatility remained high. Brent settled above $85 per barrel. Gold prices rose due to Middle East risks.

Crypto inflows hit a new high. Investors added $7.05 billion to crypto funds in May. Bitcoin outperformed most major assets over three months.

Coinbase joined the S&P 500 index. This marks another step in crypto’s mainstream acceptance.

Policy and Regulation

The EU delayed Basel III trading-book rules to 2027. The U.S. and UK are also reviewing implementation timelines.

In Washington, new rules on private equity oversight passed. Lawmakers continue debating tax changes and financial reforms.

Conclusion

This global business news roundup reflects cautious growth, AI-driven disruption, and geopolitical instability. Investors await further trade clarity and central bank decisions. Markets appear optimistic but remain sensitive to global shocks.