South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Asian stock markets traded mostly higher on Tuesday, buoyed by Wall Street’s record-breaking performance, with South Korea’s KOSPI surging 1.6% to lead regional gains. Investor sentiment was lifted by optimism around trade negotiations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s July 9 tariff deadline, which could see current 10% tariffs rise further without new agreements.
Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) jumped nearly 2%, driving South Korea’s rally. The positive momentum followed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting all-time closing highs on Monday, while U.S. futures edged higher during Asian trading hours.
China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% and the CSI 300 index added 0.1% after Caixin Manufacturing PMI data showed an unexpected uptick in June, signaling improved trade conditions. Australia’s ASX 200 added 0.2%, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index climbed 0.8%. Indian Nifty 50 futures remained flat. Hong Kong markets were closed due to a public holiday.
Investors remained cautious as Trump’s tariff ultimatum nears. Although the U.S. finalized a trade deal with China last week and Canada withdrew its proposed digital services tax to restart talks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of potential tariff hikes despite active negotiations, urging countries to secure deals swiftly.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1%, retreating from near a one-year high, while the TOPIX declined 0.8%. The pullback came after Trump criticized ongoing U.S.-Japan trade talks, accusing Tokyo of refusing to import American rice despite domestic shortages. Trump labeled Japan “spoiled” in a Truth Social post and hinted at upcoming tariff action, adding tension to already strained bilateral talks.
With Trump’s July 9 deadline fast approaching, markets are bracing for a flurry of last-minute trade developments that could significantly impact regional equities.
