Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
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 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Stocks Slide as Nikkei Leads Losses on Tech Selloff and Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
The U.S. dollar strengthened on Friday as escalating global trade tensions and economic slowdown fears weighed on markets. The euro slipped to $1.0847, retreating further from Tuesday’s five-month peak, as a trade dispute between the U.S. and EU intensified.
President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports, following the EU’s plans to impose levies on American whiskey in response to recent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. The ongoing trade friction fueled uncertainty, pushing investors toward safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries, while the S&P 500 tumbled into correction territory.
The dollar index rose 0.1% to 103.95, extending its two-day gain, while the yen weakened to 148.32 per dollar. Japan’s wage negotiation results, expected later in the day, could influence the Bank of Japan’s interest rate stance, though policymakers are likely to remain cautious at next week’s meeting.
The pound hovered around $1.2945, awaiting UK GDP data, after retreating from Wednesday’s high of $1.2990. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar steadied at $0.6284, and the New Zealand dollar edged up 0.1% to $0.5702.
Bitcoin gained 1.32% to $81,410.36, continuing its recent uptrend amid broader market volatility.
Adding to economic concerns, a potential U.S. government shutdown looms. However, Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer signaled support for a Republican funding bill, easing some uncertainty.
As global markets navigate economic risks and policy shifts, investors remain cautious, awaiting key economic data and trade developments.
