Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian stock markets traded mostly lower on Tuesday as renewed U.S. military strikes in Iran weakened investor confidence and reduced optimism surrounding a potential Middle East peace agreement. Despite the cautious sentiment, South Korean equities surged to fresh record highs, supported by strong gains in semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related stocks.
Investor concerns increased after the United States launched defensive strikes targeting missile sites and vessels in southern Iran. The attacks came while diplomatic discussions aimed at easing tensions continued in Doha. Although U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely,” he also noted there was no urgency to finalize a deal, leaving markets uncertain.
Oil prices rebounded following sharp losses in the previous session, driven by hopes that any agreement could help stabilize crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed toward $98 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude traded near $92.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index slipped 0.3% after reaching an all-time high in the previous trading session, while the broader TOPIX index edged slightly lower. Japanese chipmaker stocks had previously boosted the market amid continued global demand for AI and semiconductor technologies.
Chinese equities also weakened, with the Shanghai Composite dropping 0.8% and the CSI 300 index falling 0.3%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.4%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index eased 0.3%. India’s Nifty 50 remained largely unchanged.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI surged more than 3% to a record high, led by semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Strong investor enthusiasm surrounding AI-driven chip demand continued to support the sector.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.5% as technology shares rallied sharply. Investor optimism improved after Huawei unveiled a major semiconductor design breakthrough, boosting confidence in China’s efforts to reduce dependence on U.S. technology. Shares of Hua Hong Semiconductor and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp posted strong gains following the announcement.
