US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
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 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
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 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Oil prices moved higher during early Asian trading on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington was prepared to launch military action against Iran if Tehran failed to agree to a peace arrangement. The renewed geopolitical tension pushed global energy markets higher as investors closely monitored developments surrounding the Middle East conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures for July delivery gained 0.5% to reach $105.53 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 0.9% to $94.83 per barrel. The rebound followed two consecutive sessions of losses after Trump previously hinted that negotiations with Iran were making progress.
Despite earlier optimism over diplomatic talks, Trump later stated that the United States remained ready to carry out strikes against Iran, describing the situation as being “right on the borderline.” He added that the administration could delay further military action for “a few days” to allow room for negotiations.
Iran strongly rejected Trump’s warnings and cautioned that any new attacks by the U.S. or Israel could significantly escalate tensions across the region. Tehran also introduced a new “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” aimed at controlling shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials had earlier discussed imposing toll fees on vessels using the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major focus for global markets because it handles nearly 20% of worldwide oil shipments. Although reports showed that two Chinese oil tankers successfully passed through the channel on Wednesday, overall traffic remains far below normal levels due to ongoing security concerns.
The disruption in Hormuz has become a major driver behind rising oil prices, as traders fear tighter global supply conditions. Meanwhile, newly released U.S. inventory data showed a sharp weekly decline in crude stockpiles, largely driven by increased American oil exports intended to offset supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.
Analysts expect crude oil volatility to remain elevated as investors watch for updates on U.S.-Iran negotiations, regional military activity, and shipping conditions in the Strait of Hormuz throughout 2026.
