Gold Prices Slip From Two-Month High as Inflation and Fed Outlook Drive Markets 
Gold Prices Rise as Weak US Retail Sales Cut Fed Rate Hike Bets 
UK Economy Posts Surprise June Growth as World Cup and Hot Weather Lift Activity 
Trump Imposes New US Tariffs on Drone Imports Over National Security Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Lifts South Korea, Japan 
Barclays Warns U.S. Stock Rally May Be Detached From Fundamentals 
European Stocks Steady as U.S.-Iran War, Euro Zone Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Oil Prices Fall as U.S. Crude Inventories Surge and Hormuz Tensions Persist 
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Near Standstill After New Vessel Attacks 
European Stocks Rise as U.S. Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Japan Government Backs Earlier BOJ Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
China Automakers Accelerate Global Expansion as Domestic Car Sales Slump 
Asian Currencies Steady Ahead of US CPI as Oil Prices Rise 
KOSPI Eyes Best Weekly Gain Since June as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally 
US Dollar Holds Firm as Fed Outlook and Iran Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
France Inflation Rises 2.4% in July as Consumer Prices Increase 
Oil Prices Slide as OPEC, IEA Cut 2026 Demand Forecasts 
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Asian Markets Wobble as Chinese Stocks Weaken
Asian stocks fluctuated on Monday, weighed down by Chinese market weakness, even as Bitcoin surged to a three-month high. Investor sentiment was dampened by cautious optimism around China’s economic stimulus, with many awaiting further fiscal support.
China's central bank cut benchmark lending rates, but the move was anticipated by the market. Hong Kong equities slipped 0.6%, and China’s blue-chip index seesawed before ending 0.4% higher. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei posted a modest 0.34% gain.
Bitcoin Soars to Three-Month Peak
Bitcoin rose 0.5% to $69,100, its highest level since July, as the world’s leading cryptocurrency saw a 9.6% increase last week. Market analyst Tony Sycamore noted, “Bitcoin is positioned well for continued growth.” Traders are factoring in a potential Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. election, which could boost cryptocurrencies further due to his favorable stance.
Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Uncertainty
Gold prices hit a record $2,727.39 an ounce, extending last week's 2% rise. The precious metal is benefiting from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the close U.S. presidential race. “Gold remains a key Trump trade due to his aggressive economic policies,” said Arun Sai, senior multi-asset strategist at Pictet Asset Management.
Oil Prices Stabilize After Recent Drop
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude futures rising 0.4% to $73.36 a barrel, while U.S. crude gained 0.43% to $69.52 per barrel, recovering slightly from last week’s steep losses.
