Turkey Targets 5% Economic Growth by 2029 
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone as Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Higher 
ECB Set for September Rate Hike as Energy Prices Fuel Inflation 
Gold Prices Hold Near $4,500 as Fed Rate Hike Bets Ease 
Asian Stocks Rally as Fed Rate Hike Fears Ease 
Hong Kong Eyes Offshore Yuan Expansion, Deeper China Market Links 
UK House Prices Fall for First Time Since 2023 
China Expands Influence in Global Gold Market 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Yen Rallies on BOJ Bets 
OPEC+ Expected to Hold October Oil Output Steady 
Asian Currencies Rise as Yen Surges on Fed Rate Outlook 
JPMorgan Sees ECB Raising Rates to 2.75% in December 
China to Inject $45 Billion Into State Financial Institutions 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Tensions Threaten Supply 
U.S. Payrolls Seen Rebounding in August as Labor Market Stays Soft 
US Oil Blockade Deepens Iran’s Economic Crisis 
Singapore Straits Times Index Hits Record High as Banks, Property Stocks Rally 
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Asian stock markets opened the week on a cautiously positive note, supported by gains in technology shares despite rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Investors remained wary as developments over the weekend heightened uncertainty, even as equities in the region managed modest advances.
Market sentiment was influenced by reports that U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, alleging it attempted to breach a naval blockade. The situation escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible strikes on Iranian infrastructure if diplomatic negotiations fail. Despite these developments, traders appeared relatively unfazed, reflecting a pattern seen in past market reactions to abrupt policy shifts from Washington.
Technology stocks played a key role in supporting Asian equities, tracking strong momentum from Wall Street. Major U.S. indices, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, closed at record highs last week, boosting confidence in tech-driven growth. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by 1%, while the broader TOPIX index gained 0.7%. South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 1.1%, led by chipmaker SK Hynix, which surged over 3% after announcing plans to produce advanced server modules for Nvidia’s next-generation chips.
In China, the People’s Bank of China maintained its loan prime rates unchanged for the 11th consecutive month, keeping the one-year rate at 3.00% and the five-year rate at 3.50%. This decision reflects a cautious monetary policy stance amid signs of a steady economic recovery. Chinese equities responded positively, with the Shanghai Composite rising 0.8% and the CSI 300 gaining 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed करीब 1%.
However, rising oil prices limited broader market gains, particularly in oil-import-dependent economies. Tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, triggered concerns over inflation and energy costs. India’s Nifty 50 futures declined 1%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged slightly higher and Australia’s ASX 200 remained largely flat.
Overall, Asian markets showed resilience, but ongoing geopolitical risks and energy price volatility continue to weigh on investor outlook.
