Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
European stock markets opened higher on Monday as investors reacted positively to reports suggesting the United States and Iran may be moving closer to a peace agreement. The prospect of easing geopolitical tensions helped boost risk appetite across major European indices and pushed oil prices lower.
By 03:05 ET, or 07:05 GMT, the pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 0.6%, supported by broad gains across regional markets. Germany’s DAX advanced 1.0%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.9%, while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 added 0.2%.
Market optimism increased after reports over the weekend said Washington and Tehran had reached an agreement in principle to end a conflict that has lasted more than two months. The reports cited a senior White House official, although a formal announcement has not yet been made.
A key part of the potential U.S.-Iran peace deal would reportedly include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route near Iran’s southern coast. The waterway is one of the world’s most important oil transit points, with around one-fifth of global crude flows passing through it. Its closure to much of tanker traffic in recent weeks has pushed energy prices higher and raised concerns about inflation worldwide.
Brent crude futures fell 4.3% to $95.90 a barrel as traders priced in the possibility of improved oil supply conditions. However, Brent prices remain above levels seen before the conflict began in late February.
Uncertainty remains over the timing and details of any final agreement. Issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions are still being discussed, while Iranian leaders are expected to take time before approving a framework deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that he had instructed his representatives not to rush negotiations. He added that a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports would remain until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.
In corporate news, Delivery Hero shares surged to an 18-month high after the German food delivery company confirmed it had received an indicative takeover offer from Uber.
