Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
The U.S. dollar remained weak near a five-month low against major currencies on Wednesday, weighed down by ongoing concerns over the U.S. economy and uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The dollar index hovered at 103.47 after sliding 0.46% on Tuesday to a five-month low of 103.21. Weaker U.S. economic data, including a decline in small-business confidence for the third straight month, heightened recession fears. Investors are now focused on the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which could spark market volatility.
"The market faces a lose-lose situation," said Julien Lafargue, chief strategist at Barclays Private Bank. "A strong CPI could fuel stagflation concerns, while a weak reading may solidify recession fears."
The euro edged down 0.05% to $1.0913 but remained close to a five-month high of $1.0947. Optimism over a potential Ukraine ceasefire and Germany’s fiscal spending plans have supported the currency, though internal political hurdles persist. Meanwhile, the British pound slipped 0.11% to $1.2933 after a strong rally on Tuesday.
The Japanese yen weakened to 148.01 per dollar, recovering from Tuesday’s five-month high of 146.545. The Canadian dollar also saw turbulence following Trump’s tariff policy reversal on steel and aluminum. Traders now await the Bank of Canada’s rate decision, widely expected to bring a 0.25% cut.
Bitcoin stabilized at $82,821 after rebounding from a four-month low of $76,666.98.
With trade uncertainties and economic concerns mounting, market volatility is set to continue as investors seek clarity on U.S. growth prospects.
