European Stocks Steady as U.S.-Iran War, Euro Zone Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Gold Prices Slip From 10-Week High as Fed and Hormuz Risks Shape Outlook 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling US Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Outlook 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Lifts South Korea, Japan 
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Near Standstill After New Vessel Attacks 
Wall Street Hits Record High as Softer Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Canada-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of Aug. 19 Tariff Deadline 
Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Drone Imports Over US Security Concerns 
Japan Government Backs Earlier BOJ Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
China Automakers Accelerate Global Expansion as Domestic Car Sales Slump 
US Dollar Slips as Weak Retail Sales Reduce Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Oil Prices Slide as OPEC, IEA Cut 2026 Demand Forecasts 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm After U.S. Inflation Data 
Iran War Escalates as US, Houthis Target Ships Near Key Oil Routes 
UK Economy Posts Surprise June Growth as World Cup and Hot Weather Lift Activity 
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Asian Stocks Surge, Dollar Hits 7-Week High
Asian stocks surged on Monday, with the dollar reaching a seven-week peak against the yen. The rally was sparked by robust U.S. labor data, easing recession fears and reducing expectations for rate cuts.
U.S. Treasury Yields & Job Growth
Short-term U.S. Treasury yields rose after U.S. non-farm payrolls data reported the highest job growth in six months. The strong labor market sent Dow futures slightly higher, pointing to continued gains.
Stock Market Highlights
- Japan’s Nikkei: Up 2%, supported by a weaker yen.
- Australia’s Benchmark: Rose 0.12%.
- South Korea’s Kospi: Increased by 0.29%.
- MSCI Asia-Pacific Index: Climbed 0.4%.
Crude Oil & Geopolitical Tensions
Oil prices dipped from recent highs, despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude fell to $77.40 per barrel, and U.S. crude dropped to $73.85 per barrel.
Currency Market Movements
The U.S. dollar hit 149.10 yen, the highest since August, while the euro eased to $1.0971. Japan's top currency official pledged to monitor forex movements closely.
Federal Reserve & Interest Rates
Bets on a larger Federal Reserve rate cut in November faded, with traders now predicting a quarter-point reduction or no change, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Treasury Yields & Gold Prices
The two-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest in over a month at 3.9488%. Gold edged slightly lower to $2,649.29 an ounce.
