Asian Currencies Strengthen as Indian Rupee and Australian Dollar Rally 
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Investors Eye Big Tech Earnings and AI Momentum 
South Korea Inflation Hits Five-Month Low as CPI Reaches Central Bank Target 
Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength Caps Gains 
Trump Announces U.S.–India Trade Deal Cutting Tariffs, Boosting Markets and Energy Ties 
Gold and Asian Stocks Rebound as Market Volatility Eases and Global Sentiment Improves 
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
Taiwan Urges Stronger Trade Ties With Fellow Democracies, Rejects Economic Dependence on China 
Philippines Manufacturing PMI Hits Nine-Month High Despite Weak Confidence Outlook 
Japan’s Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Exports Hit Record High in 2025 Despite Tariffs 
Japan Finance Minister Defends PM Takaichi’s Remarks on Weak Yen Benefits 
Asian stock markets rose on Friday, led by Japan, as a strong rally in U.S. tech and bank shares lifted investor sentiment. However, gains were capped by caution ahead of the July 9 deadline for potential new U.S. tariffs, despite signs of progress in U.S.-China trade talks.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.6%, hitting a five-month high, while the broader TOPIX gained 1.2%. Tech giants led the charge, with Tokyo Electron jumping 5%, Sony rising 2.6%, and SoftBank Group adding nearly 3%. The rally came even as Tokyo's June consumer price index rose less than expected, casting doubt on the Bank of Japan’s ability to continue raising interest rates. Tokyo’s inflation figures are seen as a key gauge for nationwide price trends.
Overnight, Wall Street posted solid gains with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing just below record highs, fueled by tech and financial stocks. U.S. futures were flat during Asian hours, reflecting investor caution ahead of trade policy developments.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick stated that a U.S.-China trade deal outlined in Geneva has been finalized, with additional agreements involving 10 major partners expected soon. Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran continued to hold, easing concerns over global supply chains.
Across Asia, performance was mixed. China’s Shanghai Composite was flat, while the CSI 300 edged up 0.1%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.4%, and Australia’s ASX 200 hovered near record highs. Southeast Asian markets also gained, with the Philippines’ PSEi up 0.7% and Singapore’s STI advancing 0.6%. India’s Nifty 50 futures ticked 0.2% higher. South Korea’s KOSPI bucked the trend, falling 0.8% on profit-taking after a strong recent rally.
