South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Global share markets opened the week cautiously as investors grappled with renewed uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and awaited key earnings from AI giant Nvidia. The U.S. dollar slipped in Asian trading on Monday, reflecting concerns about America’s trade policy direction and its broader impact on global markets.
Market confusion intensified after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs. In response, Trump announced a new 10% tariff on imports from most countries, only to later raise it to 15%, a move that reportedly surprised some officials. Investors remain unclear on when the new tariffs will take effect, which goods may be exempt, and whether all countries will face the same rate. Previously, nations such as the UK and Australia had 10% tariffs, while several Asian economies faced higher duties.
Currency strategists warn that ongoing policy shifts could fuel volatility across financial markets. The uncertainty has revived the “sell America” narrative, pressuring the dollar. The greenback fell 0.4% against the Japanese yen to 154.36 and weakened against the euro and Swiss franc. Meanwhile, gold prices climbed 0.8% to $5,143 per ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets. Silver surged 2%, extending last week’s strong rally.
Asian equities showed mixed performance. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.5% in light trade, while South Korea’s market extended gains to record highs. U.S. stock futures dipped ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report, with S&P 500 futures down 0.3% and Nasdaq futures off 0.4%. Nvidia, which represents nearly 8% of the S&P 500, is expected to report a 71% jump in earnings per share. Options markets suggest its stock could swing at least 6% following results.
Oil prices edged lower ahead of U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva, despite ongoing geopolitical risks. Brent crude fell to $71.29 per barrel, while U.S. crude slipped to $65.95. Investors now closely watch trade developments, Federal Reserve rate expectations, and Nvidia’s results for direction in global financial markets.
