Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
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 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
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.
