Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
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 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
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 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian stock markets showed a mixed performance on Friday as rising oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. A fragile ceasefire and stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations failed to provide clarity, leaving global markets cautious.
The MSCI Asia-Pacific index outside Japan edged up 0.3%, marking a modest weekly gain of 0.8%. Japan’s Nikkei also climbed 0.45%, while markets in South Korea, China, and Hong Kong declined. U.S. stock futures showed signs of recovery, with Nasdaq futures up 0.6% and S&P 500 futures gaining 0.1%, following losses in the previous session. Meanwhile, European futures pointed lower, with EUROSTOXX 50 and FTSE futures dropping 0.65% and 0.9%, respectively.
Market volatility continues to reflect uncertainty around the Middle East conflict, particularly tensions involving Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices surged as supply concerns intensified, with Brent crude rising over 1% to $106.21 per barrel and U.S. crude reaching $96.77. Analysts note that despite ceasefire announcements, ongoing military threats and geopolitical risks are keeping energy markets on edge.
Currency markets remained relatively stable, though the U.S. dollar strengthened on safe-haven demand. The euro fell to $1.1684, while the British pound hovered near $1.3469. Attention is now turning to upcoming central bank meetings, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England, as investors assess the potential impact of rising energy costs on inflation and interest rates.
The Japanese yen approached the critical 160 per dollar level, trading at 159.78, increasing speculation about possible government intervention. Japan’s finance ministry reiterated its readiness to act if needed, especially amid reduced liquidity during the Golden Week holiday.
Overall, global financial markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, oil price fluctuations, and central bank policy signals, all of which are expected to drive market direction in the coming weeks.
