Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
Asian Stocks Slide as Nikkei Leads Losses on Tech Selloff and Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
Asian stock markets mostly advanced on Tuesday, led by gains in regional tech shares that mirrored strength in U.S. counterparts. Optimism was tempered, however, by lingering concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions and fragile economic indicators.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 1.2%, rebounding from recent losses. Technology stocks outperformed, buoyed by easing U.S. Treasury yields and sustained investor confidence in artificial intelligence demand. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) rose 1% after its CEO acknowledged tariff pressures but reaffirmed robust AI-driven growth.
Electric vehicle shares also rallied. BYD Co. climbed nearly 2%, snapping a six-day losing streak after strong May sales, especially overseas. Li Auto jumped nearly 5%, leading Hang Seng gainers following a Goldman Sachs price target hike.
Chinese markets reopened after a holiday, but the Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 traded flat. Investor caution grew after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Beijing of breaching a trade agreement, claims China firmly denied. Trade talks appeared stalled, dampening hopes for a lasting resolution. Meanwhile, China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI unexpectedly contracted in May, signaling the negative impact of U.S. tariffs and soft overseas demand.
Elsewhere in Asia, Australia’s ASX 200 rose 0.3% as central bank minutes reaffirmed a dovish stance following a recent rate cut. Still, economic data remained weak, with a surprise contraction in company profits and a wider-than-expected current account deficit ahead of key GDP figures.
Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.1%, while futures suggested a cautious open for India’s Nifty 50 ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s interest rate decision. Markets expect a 25 basis point cut to support growth amid global headwinds.
