China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Asian Stocks Slide as Chip Selloff Deepens Ahead of TSMC Earnings 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
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 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
The U.S. dollar extended gains against the yen for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, boosted by rising U.S. yields and renewed trade tensions. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Japan and other nations, with more trade-related proclamations expected. Trump stated that "a minimum of 7 countries" will be addressed in new announcements, fueling speculation on further tariffs or deals.
The dollar rose 0.2% to 146.85 yen, hitting a two-week high, as markets priced in higher U.S. yields and fiscal concerns in Japan ahead of the July 20 upper house elections. IG analyst Tony Sycamore noted stalled U.S.-Japan talks, largely due to Japan’s rice market protections, which remain a sticking point.
The dollar index held steady at 97.582 after two days of gains, reflecting strength across major peers. The euro remained flat at $1.1720, while the British pound slipped 0.1% to $1.35795. The Australian dollar dipped to $0.6526, while New Zealand’s kiwi traded at $0.5993.
Trump’s tariff plans include a 50% duty on imported copper, with semiconductors and pharmaceuticals also targeted in upcoming measures. Meanwhile, the European Union is reportedly seeking exemptions from the 10% U.S. baseline tariff, according to EU sources.
Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda voiced concerns about inflationary pressures from rising rice prices, which could have second-round effects on core inflation. Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the G20 finance meeting in South Africa but is set to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
As global markets react to trade policy shifts and currency movements, investors remain focused on central bank responses and geopolitical developments.
