Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian stock markets advanced sharply on Monday, led by Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes reaching fresh record highs as investors reacted positively to strong gains in U.S. semiconductor and artificial intelligence stocks. Optimism surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement also improved global market sentiment and boosted risk appetite across the region.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged more than 3% to an all-time high of 65,408.87, while the broader TOPIX index climbed to a record 3,953.89. The rally was largely fueled by chip-related companies after upbeat earnings and guidance from major U.S. semiconductor firms strengthened confidence in the AI sector. Renesas Electronics and Rohm Ltd both jumped nearly 10%, leading gains among Japanese technology shares.
Wall Street futures also moved higher during Asian trading hours despite U.S. markets being closed for a public holiday. Nasdaq futures rose more than 1% as investors continued rotating into AI and semiconductor stocks, reflecting strong demand for technology-driven growth opportunities.
Elsewhere in Asia, China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.6%, while the CSI 300 index added 1%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.5%, Singapore’s Straits Times Index climbed 0.4%, and India’s Nifty 50 rose 1% in early trading. Markets in Hong Kong and South Korea remained closed due to holidays.
Investor confidence also improved after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz were “largely negotiated,” raising hopes for reduced geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, Trump later warned there was “no rush” to finalize the agreement, leaving markets cautious about possible changes in direction.
Oil prices declined sharply on expectations that smoother energy flows could return through the critical shipping route. Brent crude dropped more than 4%, falling below $100 per barrel and easing concerns over inflation pressures that have recently weighed on global equities. Despite the rally, analysts noted that markets remain highly sensitive to developments surrounding Iran negotiations, energy prices, and future global interest rate policies.
