{"id":63294,"date":"2026-06-17T04:08:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T08:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/global-markets-digest-riksbank-holds-rates-japan-eyes-historic-tax-cut-and-g7-reviews-iran-deal\/63294\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T04:08:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T08:08:19","slug":"global-markets-digest-riksbank-holds-rates-japan-eyes-historic-tax-cut-and-g7-reviews-iran-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/global-markets-digest-riksbank-holds-rates-japan-eyes-historic-tax-cut-and-g7-reviews-iran-deal\/63294\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Markets Digest: Riksbank Holds Rates, Japan Eyes Historic Tax Cut, and G7 Reviews Iran Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sweden\u2019s Riksbank maintained its policy rate at 1.75%<\/strong>, but signaled a higher probability of a hike later this year due to persistent inflation risks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Japan\u2019s ruling LDP proposed a historic consumption tax cut on food to 1%<\/strong> starting April 2025, a two-year measure aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The G7 is reviewing a preliminary US-Iran framework agreement<\/strong> that includes reopening the <strong>Strait of Hormuz<\/strong> and a 60-day window for final nuclear negotiations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Canada and Germany solidified a critical minerals partnership<\/strong>, targeting capital investments by the end of 2026 to secure resilient supply chains for the energy transition.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hong Kong\u2019s SFC is moving forward with a HK$1 billion compensation plan<\/strong> for minority shareholders of <strong>Evergrande<\/strong>, despite legal challenges from the developer\u2019s liquidators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Central Banks and Fiscal Policy<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Sweden\u2019s Riksbank<\/strong> left its key policy rate unchanged at <strong>1.75%<\/strong> on Wednesday, matching market expectations. However, the central bank adopted a more hawkish tone, stating that the probability of a rate hike later this year has increased compared to its March assessment. Policymakers noted that while inflation is near target, a weaker <strong>Swedish Krona (SEK)<\/strong> and geopolitical uncertainties necessitate a cautious approach to future easing.<\/p>\n<p>In Tokyo, a senior executive from the <strong>Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)<\/strong> proposed slashing the consumption tax on food from <strong>8% to 1%<\/strong> for two years. The plan, which could be implemented as early as <strong>April 2025<\/strong>, is designed as a temporary &quot;bridge&quot; until a more permanent refundable tax credit system is established. Analysts estimate the move could reduce government revenue by approximately <strong>\u00a54.4 trillion<\/strong>, further straining Japan&#39;s fiscal position while providing immediate relief to households.<\/p>\n<h2>Geopolitics and Energy Security<\/h2>\n<p>At the <strong>G7 Summit<\/strong> in France, the United States circulated the text of an interim deal with <strong>Iran<\/strong> intended to end recent hostilities. The framework agreement, mediated by <strong>Pakistan and Qatar<\/strong>, proposes a <strong>60-day window<\/strong> for negotiations on Iran\u2019s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. <strong>UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer<\/strong> confirmed he is in active discussions with marine insurers regarding the safety of the <strong>Strait of Hormuz<\/strong>, emphasizing that a &quot;toll-free&quot; reopening is critical for stabilizing global energy prices.<\/p>\n<p>Simultaneously, <strong>Amnesty International<\/strong> accused <strong>Israel<\/strong> of &quot;unlawful forced transfers&quot; in southern Lebanon, labeling the mass displacement of civilians a war crime. The human rights group called for an immediate halt to &quot;no-return&quot; orders. In response to the regional humanitarian crisis, the <strong>Chinese Foreign Ministry<\/strong> announced it would provide a new batch of aid to both <strong>Iran<\/strong> and <strong>Lebanon<\/strong> to assist in recovery and reconstruction efforts.<\/p>\n<h2>Corporate and Industrial Developments<\/h2>\n<p><strong>DP World<\/strong> has entered exclusive negotiations to develop and operate a new container terminal at the <strong>Port of Corpus Christi<\/strong> in Texas. This move marks the Dubai-based logistics giant&#39;s first attempt to operate a major U.S. container port in two decades, following the 2006 political controversy that forced its exit from the market. The project aims to expand capacity on the <strong>U.S. Gulf Coast<\/strong>, leveraging the port&#39;s recently deepened ship channel.<\/p>\n<p>In the mining sector, <strong>Canada<\/strong> and <strong>Germany<\/strong> issued a joint statement pledging to deepen their integration of <strong>critical mineral<\/strong> supply chains. The agreement focuses on stockpiling and joint public-private financing for natural resource projects. Both nations expect to finalize significant capital investments by the end of <strong>2026<\/strong>, targeting minerals essential for battery production and electric vehicle manufacturing.<\/p>\n<h2>Regulatory and Legal News<\/h2>\n<p>Hong Kong\u2019s <strong>Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)<\/strong> is proceeding with a plan to compensate minority shareholders of the collapsed developer <strong>Evergrande<\/strong>. The <strong>HK$1 billion ($128 million)<\/strong> fund, sourced from a settlement with <strong>PwC Hong Kong<\/strong>, faces a legal challenge from Evergrande\u2019s liquidators. The liquidators argue the deal &quot;improperly prioritizes&quot; shareholders over creditors, who are owed hundreds of billions of dollars following the developer&#39;s 2024 liquidation order.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Sweden\u2019s Riksbank maintained its policy rate at 1.75%, but signaled a higher probability of a hike later this 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