Media OutReach

June 2025 Market Outlook: Essential Economic and Geopolitical Events for Traders by Octa Broker

Published

10 months ago

02/06/2025

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 June 2025 – June 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful months of the year for global markets. For traders, this means opportunity—but also volatility. The economic calendar is packed with macroeconomic data releases and central bank meetings, while geopolitical risks remain close to the surface.

Beyond the usual inflation prints and interest rate decisions, markets will also have to digest key developments around global diplomacy: the NATO and G7 summits, peace negotiations in Eastern Europe, U.S. trade talks with China and the European Union, as well as debates around nuclear policy in the Middle East. Add to this the lingering fiscal tensions in Washington, and it’s clear that June won’t be business as usual. Octa Broker explains why the economic calendar is worth monitoring and what events to watch out for in June 2025.

The Role of the Economic Calendar for Traders

For traders, the economic calendar is more than a schedule—it’s a risk map. It flags:

central bank rate decisions
inflation and employment reports
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates and growth outlooks
high-level summits with potential for market-moving headlines.

These events affect not just macro sentiment but also short-term liquidity and intraday volatility. And when several collide—as they will in June—market reactions tend to be sharper, faster, and harder to fade. Anticipating such events in advance allows traders to capitalise on potential opportunities and adjust risk management—some even avoid trading during volatility.

Key Economic Events in June 2025

Here are some major events to follow in June:

June 4: Bank of Canada (BoC) interest rate decision
June 5: European Central Bank (ECB) rate decision
June 6: U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls
June 11: U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
June 15–17: Group-7 (G7) Summit
June 17: Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate decision
June 18: Federal Reserve (Fed) rate decision—includes Economic Projections and the Dot Plot
June 19: Swiss National Bank (SNB) rate decision
June 19: Bank of England (BoE) rate decision
June 20: People’s Bank of China (PBoC) rate decision
June 24–25: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Summit
June 26–27: European Council Summit
June 27: U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Price Index
June 30: German CPI

Potential Impact of June Economic and Geopolitical Events For Traders
Heightened Volatility Expected

June is shaping up to be an eventful month for currencies and rate-sensitive assets, with seven major central bank meetings scheduled—the BoC, BoE, BoJ, ECB, Fed, SNB, and PBoC. Traders can anticipate heightened volatility not only in the major USD-based pairs but also in equity indices, individual stocks, and commodities.

June’s Federal Reserve meeting is particularly important, accompanied by updated Economic Projections and the Dot Plot—forward-looking instruments via which markets infer future rate trajectories. Surprises can unleash dramatic repricing in Treasury yields, gold, and risk assets.

Macroeconomic Divergence as a Market Driver

Inflation paths remain divergent. In the U.S., core CPI slowed to 2.3% YoY, potentially softening the Fed’s stance. Meanwhile, ECB officials appear divided: Klaas Knot said inflation risks remain uncertain, while Pierre Wunsch hinted that rates could fall below 2%. This split supports tactical positioning in EUR/USD and EUR/GBP, particularly around central bank commentary.

Geopolitical Events Could Disrupt Risk Sentiment

June’s summits aren’t ceremonial. The G7 Summit will cover trade security and energy cooperation, while the NATO meeting will focus on defence spending and alliance posture. Any hawkish statements or surprises around Ukraine, China, or the Middle East could move commodity markets—particularly, oil and gold—and affect defence-sector equities.

Bond Market Tensions Could Spill Into FX and Equities

Rising Treasury yields, recently breaching 5.0% on 20-year note, are fueling concern over U.S. fiscal policy. As Moody’s warned, the sustainability of U.S. debt is becoming a market risk. Traders should watch for safe-haven rotation into gold, Bitcoin, Swiss franc (CHF), and the Japanese yen (JPY). Japan, however, is facing debt troubles of its own, as yields on 30-year bonds recently climbed to multi-decade highs, prompting calls to BoJ to either increase bond buying or halt its plans to gradually reduce such purchases. Either way, traders should keep a close eye on both the U.S. and the Japanese bond markets.

Ongoing Trade Negotiations Remain a Wildcard

The May U.S.-China joint statement hinted at easing tensions—but markets remain sceptical.

There are still several critical obstacles to a comprehensive trade agreement between the parties. For example, on May 12th, China’s Ministry of Commerce strengthened control over strategic mineral exports, on which the U.S. is highly dependent. Other critical sticking points include technology transfer issues and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as China’s growing semiconductor self-sufficiency efforts are not particularly favoured in Washington. Furthermore, there is still uncertainty as to whether any meaningful progress in trade talks between the U.S. and EU can be achieved in June. Although the parties agreed to fast-track the negotiations, some business leaders are sceptical.

June won’t be a month for passive positioning. With central banks sending mixed signals, inflation data diverging, and global diplomacy back on the front pages, traders will have to juggle more than just charts.

This is the kind of environment where preparation matters more than prediction. Knowing when the Fed drops its Dot Plot is as important as watching where oil prices go after a NATO statement. With overlapping narratives and rising volatility, it’s not about calling the top or bottom—it’s about managing risk around known catalysts and staying nimble when the unknowns hit.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.
Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
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Hashtag: #octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Media OutReach

Robust Demand Ahead: 75% of Consumers Plan Jewellery Purchases, with Natural Diamonds Leading

Published

9 hours ago

08/04/2026

Media Outreach

Self-reward joins birthdays as a key driver of Hong Kong’s natural diamond market, new consumer survey reveals

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Coinciding with World Diamond Day on April 8, NielsenIQ released its latest jewellery gifting study. The study offers a practical guide for those who are looking for meaningful gifts for significant gifting occasions such as the forthcoming Mother’s Day. The study reveals that despite an increasingly complex macroeconomic environment, Hong Kong’s natural diamond jewellery market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, consumer intent remains strong, with 75% of consumers planning to buy jewellery in the next 12 months and 76% of them specifically considering natural diamonds.

The study also highlights a growing cultural shift towards self‑purchase and the celebration of life’s most personal moments, reaffirming that the impulse to give—to oneself as well as to loved ones—continues to underpin demand.

At the same time, shoppers are placing greater emphasis on assurance and transparency, with traceability and value‑added services becoming increasingly influential in shaping both where—and what—they choose to buy. Together, these shifts highlight a market in which trust, service excellence and authenticity are emerging as powerful drivers of differentiation.

Key insights to understand consumer preferences and behaviour:

The Rise of the “Self-Reward”: Rewarding oneself has emerged as a key driver of jewellery buying, with 57% of consumers planning to buy for themselves. The primary reason for these self-purchases is to reward oneself (55%), followed by celebrating special occasions (33%) and personal enjoyment or collection (32%). This trend sits alongside traditional romantic gifting for spouse/partner (42%), signaling a broader shift towards personal empowerment and self-celebration.
Celebratory Moments Top the Gifting Calendar: The most frequent jewellery‑gifting occasions are the annual milestones of everyday life. Birthdays (51%) and anniversaries (42%) remain the primary drivers for both giving and receiving jewellery, while engagements and weddings (31%) as well as Valentine’s Day (31%), continue to hold significant importance.
Marking Special Occasions Matters Most: When purchasing for others, marking a meaningful occasion is the primary gifting driver (50%), followed by expressing love or care (36%) and the desire to surprise or delight someone (33%).
The Informed Consumer: Traceability and Added-value Services Take Centre Stage: Price remains a key consideration (55%) when selecting natural diamonds, but consumers weigh this against the 4Cs (38%), design (37%), and certification (36%). Traceability matters to 70% of natural diamond intenders, while 80% say value-added services significantly boost their purchasing confidence.

Intrinsic and Emotional Values

The research reveals that natural diamonds are increasingly woven into the fabric of daily life and personal achievement. Consumers strongly associate natural diamonds with intrinsic, lasting qualities: 75% believe they hold their value better due to their rarity and finite supply, and 73% view each stone as one of a kind. Beyond the investment, however, lies a deep emotional connection. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) expressed that natural diamonds bring them joy to wear and can be worn every day to match their outfits.

These emotional and symbolic associations are reflected in consumers’ natural diamond jewellery purchasing habits: rings (55%), necklaces (49%), earrings (42%), and bracelets (41%) emerge as the most popular categories. Mid‑sized stones (68%), ranging from approximately 0.5 to 1.49 carats, are the preferred choice. Spending tends to concentrate in the mid‑range, particularly between HK$10,000 and HK$20,000 (31%), followed by the HK$20,000 to HK$30,000 range (22%). Most consumers (46%) prefer to choose jewellery based on design rather than a fixed style, with 18K white gold the primary material choice (34%), followed by 18K rose gold (18%).

Online Discovery Meets In-Store Trust

Despite the digital age, the desire for a tangible experience endures. A commanding 75% of consumers prefer to purchase in-store, with 35% insisting on completing their entire transaction offline. Transparency bridges the two worlds—70% of natural diamond intenders cite traceability as important, underscoring the growing expectation for credible and accessible product information that reinforces the confidence of physical retail.

Strong Receiving Intentions Signal Continued Momentum

Looking ahead, consumer expectations for receiving diamond jewellery remain exceptionally high. 74% of respondents anticipate receiving jewellery in the next 12 months, and among them, an overwhelming 85% hope to receive natural diamonds. Special occasions (47%) are the most anticipated reason for receiving, with birthdays (54%), anniversaries (44%), Valentine’s Day (40%) and engagements and weddings (35%) leading the calendar. These figures underscore a confident outlook for the natural diamonds industry.

The consumer survey, conducted by NIQ from 27 January to 11 February 2026, involved a total of 572 participants aged 18-54 through various online channels. Among the respondents, 24% were male and 76% were female, with the majority (77%) being married, engaged, or in a relationship. Commissioned by De Beers Group, NIQ managed the design and data analysis of the survey.

Notes to Editors

A selection of the asset is available to download here.

Hong Kong Jewellery Gifting Survey Report 2026 is available to download here.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #adiamondisforever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds #ConsumerSurvey

http://www.debeersgroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/debeersgroup/
http://www.facebook.com/DeBeersGroupOfCompanies/
http://www.instagram.com/debeersgroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

Media OutReach

Bhutan’s Young Culinary Talent Sharpens Skills in Hong Kong Culinary Exchange Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

Published

9 hours ago

08/04/2026

Media Outreach

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), the global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, organised a three-week culinary programme for eight young Bhutanese chefs from the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) from 1-19 March 2026. Supported by the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) in Hong Kong, the programme empowers youth career development through vocational training and international exposure.

Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) Steering Committee (front row, sixth from left), Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee (front row, seventh from left), James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute (front row, eighth from left), and Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce (front row, fifth from left), celebrate with the young Bhutanese chefs upon completion of their culinary exchange

The cohort of eight Desuup chefs, currently working in hotels and DSP initiatives, participated in an intensive, hands-on upskilling programme. Participants completed 10 days of professional training at CCI, with focused modules on the Eight Major Cuisines of China, selected Western cooking techniques, and signature Cantonese dishes. Additional sessions covered Hong Kong local specialties and pastry techniques as well as food presentation and plating — all led by instructors from CCI, International Culinary Institute (ICI), Star Chef Management School and Lee Kum Kee.

Beyond classroom learning and cooking, the young chefs explored Hong Kong’s food culture and heritage. Activities included visits to local eateries such as a traditional Cha Chaan Teng, and guided culinary tours across the city. The group also travelled to Xinhui and Zhuhai in mainland China to learn more about sauce production and Guangdong’s culinary culture. The experiences further inspired their culinary perspectives and creativity.

The young chefs also showcased their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and the Bhutan Flavour Fair, attended by DSP officials and Lee Kum Kee Sauce representatives.

*Young chefs are inspired through systematic hands-on learning and exploration, discovering local delicacies, and experiencing Hong Kong’s heritage and contemporary landscape*

*Young chefs showcase their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and a Bhutan Flavour Fair*

Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “Our young chefs are receiving valuable exposure at the Chinese Culinary Institute through immersion in professional Asian cuisine, modern culinary techniques and global kitchen standards. I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lee Kum Kee for the vision, partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals.”

Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “I’m proud of the Desuup chefs’ aspirations, and I hope they will build on the prestige of Lee Kum Kee and the Chinese Culinary Institute – their mentors – to further develop their careers in the culinary world.”

James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute, said, “Hong Kong is a vital platform that brings together global culinary cultures. Through this exchange, I’m confident the young Bhutanese chefs have not only deepened their understanding of the essence of Chinese and Western culinary flavours, but also have acquired valuable cooking techniques, plating skills, as well as developed a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culinary culture.”

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, said, “At Lee Kum Kee, we believe in the power of culinary culture to connect people and create lasting opportunities. It has been a joy to see the passion and growth of these chefs throughout this programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CCI and DSP to nurture the next generation of culinary talent and strengthen the ties between our communities through the art of food.”

Since 2025, Lee Kum Kee has engaged in a strategic partnership with DSP to support culinary training in Bhutan, bringing international standards, signature flavours and professional expertise into DSP’s training programmes.

Lee Kum Kee is dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Through its Global Youth Culinary Immersion initiative, the company has provided culinary education, scholarships and exchange opportunities for aspiring young chefs in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, UK, Canada and USA.

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

About De-suung Skilling Programme

The De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) is a Royal Project initiated by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in 2021. As envisioned by His Majesty, DSP imparts a series of short-term high-quality trainings to unemployed Bhutanese youths who have mostly completed high school and are in their early or mid-20s. These youths have all undergone the De-suung training, which is a valued-based personal development programme intended to encourage active citizenry in the process of nation-building. DSP provides short-term training in various fields to Bhutanese youths entering the job market with varying degrees of educational qualification. For more information, please visit www.dsp.org.bt.

About Chinese Culinary Institute

The Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) is one of the 14 member institutions of Vocational Training Council (VTC). It was established in 2000 as one of the Millennium Projects of the HKSAR Government. CCI endeavours to provide systematic training in Chinese cuisine for beginners and practicing chefs who wish to obtain or upgrade their professional qualifications. It also aims to elevate the professional standard and status of Chinese Chefs in order to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as the “Culinary Capital of Asia”. Furthermore, CCI strives to establish Hong Kong as a regional training and accreditation centre in Chinese cuisine by introducing “One Trade Test Two Certificates” system. To promote the deep-rooted heritage of the Chinese culinary art, CCI offers culinary interest courses for locals and tourists alike. For more information, please visit cci.edu.hk/en.

Media OutReach

Hanoi Office at ANDPAD VIETNAM Relocated

Published

10 hours ago

08/04/2026

Media Outreach

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – ANDPAD (Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takeo Inada; ), which operates a cloud-based construction project management service, hereby announces that it has relocated the Hanoi Office at ANDPAD VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED (Headquarters: Ho Chi Minh City, Republic of Vietnam; President: Yusuke Noda), This move is aimed at accommodating organizational expansion and strengthening the promotion of digital transformation (DX) in the Southeast Asian construction sector.

The ANDPAD service, which was launched in 2016, has grown into a platform for the construction Industry currently used by over 265,000 organizations and 690,000 individual users. In December 2025, ANDPAD initiated “ANDPAD Stellarc,” an AI project dedicated to construction businesses. With data and operational insight as the foundation, the company is also tackling AI development aimed at problem-solving in the construction industry.

Since opening in May 2025, the Hanoi Office at ANDPAD VIETNAM has promoted the enhancement of its development organization and DX in construction in Southeast Asia. This decision to relocate the office, which will be accompanied with an expansion, was made based on the rapid growth of the office’s organization and the expansion of demand for DX in construction in Southeast Asia.

Hanoi Office: Overview

TAISEI SQUARE HANOI

TAISEI SQUARE HANOI is a large-scale office designed and constructed entirely by TAISEI CORPORATION. The first office independently developed in Hanoi by a Japanese company, TAISEI SQUARE HANOI is positioned as a flagship location under ANDPAD’s international operations.

<Address>

7F, Taisei Square Hanoi Building. No.289 Khuat Duy Tien Street, Dai Mo Ward, Ha Noi City

■ Recruitment

Andpad Vietnam is looking for new team members. Please see below for details.

Details：https://andpad.vn/#hotjobs

LinkedIn：https://vn.linkedin.com/company/andpad-vietnam

■ About the ANDPAD Service
The cloud-based construction project management service with the top share of the market in Japan*, ANDPAD makes the central management of everything from enhancing onsite efficiency to improving management possible. Since provision of the service started in 2016, through associated development efforts that emphasize intuitiveness and ease of use and thorough support for implementation and utilization, the service has reached over 265,000 corporate users and 690,000 individual users.

ANDPAD was selected as a “2024 Recommended Technology” under the NETIS (New Technology Information System) by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Details (Japanese language only): https://andpad.jp/

*”Trends and Vendor Share in the Construction Business Management Cloud Service Market” (December 2024 MIC IT Report)” (According to research by the Deloitte Tohmatsu MIC Economic Research Institute)

Hashtag: #ANDPAD

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ANDPAD VietNam Overview

Name ：ANDPAD VietNam Co., Ltd

Location ：3rd Floor, Dong Nhan Building, 90 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Tan Dinh Ward, HCMC
Representative ：Yusuke Noda
Business Activities：Development of “ANDPAD” cloud-based construction project management service
URL ：https://andpad.vn/