South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asian stock markets traded mixed on Tuesday as investors closely monitored upcoming interest rate decisions from the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). While South Korean equities led regional gains, Chinese and Hong Kong markets struggled following weaker-than-expected economic data from China.
Investor sentiment received support from Wall Street’s strong performance overnight, driven by optimism surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures edged lower during Asian trading, with S&P 500 Futures slipping 0.1% as markets awaited the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes traded in a narrow range ahead of the BOJ’s highly anticipated policy announcement. Market participants widely expect the central bank to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to 1%, reflecting concerns over rising inflation fueled by higher energy costs and resilient consumer spending. Analysts believe the rate increase is largely priced into markets, shifting attention toward the BOJ’s future policy outlook. Persistent inflation pressures and continued weakness in the Japanese yen could encourage a more hawkish stance from policymakers.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.4%, weighed down by losses in banking and mining stocks. Investors expect the RBA to keep interest rates unchanged after implementing significant rate hikes earlier this year. However, signs of stubborn inflation may increase the likelihood of further monetary tightening in the coming months.
South Korea’s KOSPI emerged as the region’s top performer, climbing 1.5% as technology and semiconductor stocks extended recent gains. The rally mirrored strong advances among U.S. tech companies and highlighted growing investor confidence in the sector.
Chinese equities remained subdued after May economic data revealed ongoing weakness in domestic demand. Retail sales and fixed-asset investment both fell more than anticipated, while industrial production provided a rare positive surprise by exceeding forecasts due to strong export demand. The Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 indexes ended largely unchanged, reflecting continued concerns over China’s economic recovery.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index underperformed regional peers, dropping more than 1% as technology and internet stocks faced renewed selling pressure. Elsewhere, Singapore’s Straits Times Index gained 0.2%, while India’s Nifty 50 futures rose 0.1%, supported by cautious optimism over global economic developments and easing geopolitical tensions.
