BRASILIA, May 18 (Reuters) - Brazil's economic activity grew 1.3% in the first quarter from the previous three months, central bank data showed on Monday, despite a sharper-than-expected contraction in March. The IBC-Br index, a proxy for gross domestic product, fell 0.7% in March from February on a seasonally adjusted basis, compared with a 0.2% drop expected in a Reuters...

09:12 AM EDT, 05/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust ( SPY ) was down 0.1%, and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) was 0.03% lower in Monday's premarket activity as stalled diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran fuel concerns about inflation. US stock futures were also lower, with S&P 500...

* Oil prices ease by $2 a barrel * Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields at highest since Feb 2025 * JPMorgan cuts 2026 gold price view (Recasts for U.S. market open) By Anjana Anil May 18 (Reuters) - Gold rose on Monday as a weaker U.S. dollar and lower crude oil prices eased some inflation concerns though higher bond yields...

(Updates prices) * Dollar holds firm on risk aversion * Oil prices, bond yields rise on fresh Middle East tensions * Yen weakens, investors stay alert for intervention By Amanda Cooper LONDON, May 18 (Reuters) - The dollar dipped against most major currencies on Monday, but held near last week's highs as the Middle East conflict continued to nudge oil...