Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
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 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
European stock markets showed volatility on Tuesday as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions and economic stability. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index edged up by 0.2% in early trading, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 both gained modestly, recovering from initial losses. In contrast, the UK’s FTSE 100 lagged behind, falling nearly 1%, reflecting investor caution amid geopolitical uncertainty.
The renewed conflict between the U.S. and Iran has intensified fears across financial markets. Both nations launched fresh attacks on Monday after Iran responded to U.S. efforts to reopen shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is crucial, carrying approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. Reports of explosions and fires on merchant vessels in the Gulf region have heightened concerns over supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices.
The situation has expanded beyond the immediate conflict zone. In the United Arab Emirates, air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones allegedly launched from Iran, while an oil terminal in Fujairah was also targeted. These developments signal a broader regional escalation that could further destabilize global markets.
Oil prices remain a central focus for investors. Although Brent crude futures dipped slightly by 0.8% to $113.56 per barrel, prices are still significantly higher than pre-conflict levels. Elevated oil prices are fueling fears of inflation, which could slow global economic growth and impact central bank policies.
Market reactions were also influenced by corporate earnings. HSBC shares dropped over 5% after the bank reported weaker-than-expected quarterly profits, partly due to a $400 million fraud-related charge. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch InBev saw its stock rise after delivering better-than-expected earnings results.
With geopolitical risks rising and energy markets under pressure, investors remain cautious as they monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global financial markets.
