Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
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 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Asian markets inched higher on Monday while oil prices remained stable, as investors weighed geopolitical developments in the Middle East alongside a packed week of corporate earnings and economic data. Sentiment improved modestly after signs of limited diplomatic progress, though risks in the region continue to influence global markets.
Brent crude traded near $108.30 per barrel, while U.S. crude hovered around $102.01, both recovering from earlier losses. Concerns remain over the safety of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supply. Reports of a bulk carrier being attacked near Iran’s Sirik region have added to uncertainty, even as potential U.S. naval support is expected to secure the area.
U.S. efforts to assist stranded vessels were highlighted by former President Donald Trump, who mentioned deploying significant military resources, including naval ships, aircraft, and personnel. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it is reviewing a U.S. response to its diplomatic proposal, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low.
Equity markets showed modest gains across the region. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.6%, while South Korean stocks jumped 2.6% after reopening from a holiday. Japanese markets were quieter due to a public holiday, leaving Nikkei futures only slightly higher.
Global investors are closely watching earnings reports this week, with over 100 major companies set to release results, including AMD, Palantir, Disney, and McDonald’s. Despite strong earnings growth forecasts, analysts note that stock reactions to positive results have been limited.
Central banks remain in focus as rising energy prices fuel inflation concerns. Expectations for further interest rate hikes have increased across major economies, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England. Upcoming U.S. payroll data is expected to play a key role in shaping monetary policy outlook.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar softened slightly against the yen and euro, while gold prices edged lower, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing global uncertainty.
