Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Asian stock markets climbed sharply on Thursday, tracking strong gains on Wall Street as investors focused on robust corporate earnings and largely ignored rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Gulf. Major indices in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan reached record highs, highlighting continued investor confidence in global equities despite mounting risks.
The positive momentum followed an impressive overnight session in the United States, where the S&P 500 advanced 1% and the Nasdaq surged 1.6%, both closing at all-time highs. Strong early earnings reports helped ease concerns about the resilience of the U.S. consumer, even as energy costs rise amid ongoing conflict involving Iran. The optimism in U.S. markets spilled over into Asia, driving tech-heavy shares higher across the region.
MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose 1% to a new peak, while Japan’s Nikkei index surpassed the 60,000 level for the second consecutive day. Meanwhile, China’s blue-chip stocks posted modest gains of 0.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped slightly by 0.3%.
Oil prices continued to climb, with Brent crude rising to $102.45 per barrel after Iran seized two container ships near the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying concerns over global supply disruptions. Despite this, financial markets remained relatively stable, with U.S. Treasury yields holding steady and currency movements limited. The euro hovered near $1.1709, while the U.S. dollar maintained slight gains.
Corporate earnings also played a significant role in boosting sentiment. GE Vernova shares surged after raising its revenue forecast, while Boeing saw gains following a smaller-than-expected loss. Tesla, however, faced pressure as investors reacted cautiously to its increased spending plans despite positive free cash flow.
Analysts warn that while markets are currently resilient, growing geopolitical and supply risks could eventually weigh on investor sentiment if left unresolved.
