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 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
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 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Asian stock markets opened the week on a positive note, led by a strong surge in South Korean equities and renewed momentum in Hong Kong’s technology sector. Investor sentiment across the region improved as markets reacted to last week’s gains on Wall Street, although trading activity remained relatively muted due to public holidays in Japan and mainland China.
South Korea’s KOSPI index emerged as the top performer, jumping around 3.5% to reach an all-time high. The rally was largely driven by robust gains in major semiconductor companies, particularly Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. SK Hynix recorded an impressive surge of nearly 7%, while Samsung rose close to 3%. Both companies recently reported strong first-quarter earnings, fueled by continued demand and supply constraints in the global memory chip market. As key suppliers to artificial intelligence leaders like Nvidia, these chipmakers are well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing AI boom, which continues to support pricing power and revenue growth.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also advanced by approximately 1.7%, supported by a rebound in technology stocks. Major players such as Baidu, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), and Xiaomi posted gains exceeding 4%. Baidu recovered from prior losses, while SMIC continued to benefit from optimism surrounding China’s AI-driven growth potential. Xiaomi’s stock gained momentum after the company reported selling more than 30,000 electric vehicles in April, signaling a strong recovery in its EV segment.
Other regional markets followed the positive trend. Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged higher, and India’s Nifty 50 futures showed modest gains. However, Australia’s ASX 200 underperformed, slipping slightly amid expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia may implement another interest rate hike to combat persistent inflation. Rising energy prices linked to geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict, have further reinforced a cautious outlook among investors.
Meanwhile, S&P 500 futures remained relatively stable in Asian trading, as global markets await key economic indicators, including U.S. nonfarm payrolls data and corporate earnings reports. Investors also continue to monitor geopolitical risks, particularly developments involving the U.S. and Iran, which could impact market stability and energy prices in the near term.
