Asian Stocks Surge, Oil Jumps Amid US Gains & Iran Tensions; Fed Independence Questioned

• Asian stocks opened higher, following US gains driven by positive jobs data and the S&P 500 reaching an all-time high.
• The dollar fell after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell revealed grand jury subpoenas regarding Fed headquarters renovations, raising concerns about the central bank's independence.
• Gold and the Swiss franc gained as safe-haven assets amidst the uncertainty surrounding the Fed and geopolitical tensions.
• Oil prices saw their biggest two-day gain since October due to escalating protests in Iran, threatening supply from OPEC's fourth-largest producer.
• Geopolitical uncertainties in Iran and other regions, along with questions over US tariffs, continue to create a fragile calm in global markets.

Why It Matters: Global markets show mixed reactions: Asian stocks and oil rise, while the dollar falls amid Fed independence concerns.