Global Economic Indicators 

• UK Retail Boom: 
  Retail sales in the UK rose sharply by 5.0% YoY in April, up from a revised 1.9% in March. 
  Monthly growth also jumped to 1.2%, beating forecasts, indicating consumers are still spending despite high prices. 
  Analysts link the boost to easing global trade tensions and lower interest rates. 

• German GDP Surpasses Expectations: 
  Germany’s economy showed strong Q1 performance with a 0.4% QoQ GDP growth, the best since Q3 2022, driven by a surge in exports and industrial output. 
  Despite a YoY contraction of 0.2%, the data exceeded initial estimates of 0.2% growth. 
  The boost came largely from exporters accelerating shipments ahead of possible US tariffs. 

Cryptocurrency & Digital Finance 

• Bitcoin Holds Despite Volatility: 
  Bitcoin remains stable below its recent record near $72,000, as optimism around US crypto regulation persists. 
  Whale movements and legislative progress on crypto bills are fueling market sentiment. 

• Stablecoin Surge Incoming? 
  A WSJ report revealed that major US banks are in early talks to launch a joint stablecoin, reinforcing the sector’s legitimacy and attracting positive investor sentiment. 

Energy & Oil Markets 

• Oil Faces Weekly Losses Amid Supply Concerns: 
  Oil prices dipped in Asian trading Friday, pressured by fears of oversupply after reports suggested OPEC+ may raise output again. 
  This followed data from the EIA showing an unexpected 1.3 million barrel build in US crude stocks, and a 2.5 million barrel rise reported earlier by the API. 

The upcoming OPEC+ meeting could be a turning point, with potential wide-reaching effects on global supply and prices.