South Korea Exports Surge 62.8% in July on AI Chip Demand 
Japan Yen Surges on Reported FX Intervention as Dollar Slides After Fed, BoE Holds Rates 
BOJ Holds Rates at 1% as Inflation Outlook Eases, October Rate Hike Still Possible 
U.S. Treasury Joins Japan in Yen Intervention as Currency Nears 40-Year Lows 
Trump Says Iran Talks to Begin as Strait of Hormuz Deal Nears, Oil Prices Fall 
US Stock Futures Rise as AI Optimism Lifts Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon While Apple Slips 
China Defends Industrial Policy Ahead of Key U.S. and EU Trade Talks 
Oil Prices Head for 21% Monthly Surge as Middle East Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
South Korea’s KOSPI Soars as Samsung, SK Hynix Rebound on Microsoft-Fueled AI Rally 
Oil Prices Drop Nearly 5% as Trump Delays Iran Strike, Markets Eye Strait of Hormuz Deal 
Japan Earthquake Disrupts Auto and Chip Supply Chains 
US Jobs Report, Fed Outlook, and Big Tech Earnings Put Stock Market in Focus 
Oil Prices Head for 20% Monthly Surge as Middle East Supply Risks Persist 
Japan Confirms Coordinated Yen Intervention With U.S., Signals More Action if Needed 
UK Stock Market May Outperform if AI Bubble Bursts, Capital Economics Says 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism Lifts Markets; Yen Holds Gains Ahead of BOJ Decision 
Trump-Backed Russia Sanctions Bill Faces House Hurdles Over Tariff Powers 
Asian stock markets opened the week lower on Monday, with South Korea leading regional losses as renewed selling in artificial intelligence-related technology stocks overshadowed improving investor sentiment from easing Middle East tensions and stronger U.S. stock futures.
The South Korean KOSPI plunged more than 4% after a record rally on Friday, extending volatility driven by concerns over elevated AI valuations. Heavyweight chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix fell sharply despite posting strong semiconductor earnings, as investors took profits and reassessed expectations. Together, the two companies account for more than half of the KOSPI’s total market capitalization.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 also declined about 1.6%, while the broader TOPIX dropped over 2%. Losses in Sony Group, Murata Manufacturing, and Renesas Electronics outweighed gains in Kioxia Holdings and TDK. Investor sentiment remained cautious after the Bank of Japan kept interest rates unchanged while reaffirming its gradual monetary policy normalization outlook.
Chinese equities proved relatively resilient despite weakness in technology shares. The CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite each posted modest losses, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged higher. Alibaba climbed more than 5% after unveiling a new flagship artificial intelligence model, and Tencent also advanced, helping support the Hong Kong market.
Meanwhile, Wall Street futures pointed higher after strong quarterly earnings from Microsoft and Alphabet boosted confidence in the U.S. technology sector. Nasdaq 100 Futures gained nearly 1%, while S&P 500 Futures also advanced during Asian trading.
Oil prices retreated after U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz would begin on Monday, raising hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran and easing fears of supply disruptions. Lower crude prices pressured regional energy stocks, with Australia's Woodside Energy, Santos, and Japan’s INPEX posting notable declines.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 outperformed regional peers as gains in financial and industrial shares offset weakness in the energy sector. Investors are now turning their attention to the Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming policy decision, along with China’s July trade data, South Korea’s inflation report, and Friday’s closely watched U.S. nonfarm payrolls report.
