Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
Greece’s Bad Loan Crisis Continues to Limit Credit Access Despite Economic Recovery 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Chip Stocks Rally as Samsung and SK Hynix’s $1.3 Trillion Investment Plan Boosts AI Optimism 
Wall Street Futures Rise Ahead of JOLTS Data, Nike Earnings, and U.S.-Iran Talks 
NATO Albania Summit Faces Uncertainty as Trump, Defense Spending Concerns Loom 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
China Manufacturing PMI Edges Higher in June as Exports and AI Investment Boost Growth 
Gold Prices Drop as Fed Rate Outlook and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in June as Annual Growth Misses Forecasts 
Canada Grants C$7 Million to Greenland Molybdenum Mine to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply 
UN Chief Urges Nations to Close $100 Million UNRWA Funding Gap 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
India Manufacturing PMI Slows in June as Demand Weakens Despite Lower Cost Pressures 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
Gold Price Drops to Eight-Month Low as Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion. Source: Photo by Michael Steinberg via Pexels 
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.
