Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
Asian stocks were mostly higher on Friday as markets welcomed short-term relief after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a decision on whether the U.S. will join the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. However, Japanese shares underperformed due to stronger-than-expected inflation data and growing expectations of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
The Nikkei 225 and TOPIX slipped 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, pressured by a strengthening yen and concerns over future monetary tightening. Japan’s core CPI for May jumped to its highest level in nearly two and a half years, while underlying inflation also hit a one-year peak. The data, alongside hawkish BOJ meeting minutes, fueled speculation that the central bank could raise rates as soon as July.
In contrast, tech-heavy Asian markets rebounded. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 1.1%, reaching a two-year high, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.8% on revived risk sentiment. U.S. markets remained closed for the Juneteenth holiday, but S&P 500 Futures fell 0.3% in Asian trade, still weighed by the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone and reduced rate cut projections for 2026.
China’s Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 inched up 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, showing muted response to the PBOC’s decision to keep its loan prime rate steady. However, expectations remain for further easing this year to combat sluggish growth.
Australia’s ASX 200 dipped 0.5%, while Singapore’s Straits Times rose 0.1%. India’s Gift Nifty 50 Futures edged up 0.2%, indicating a positive start for local markets.
Geopolitical tensions and central bank actions continue to drive regional sentiment, with investors closely watching inflation trends and monetary policy signals.
