China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Thursday, retreating slightly after a sharp 4% rally in the previous session. Investors are closely monitoring rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, while also weighing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing conflict in the strategically important oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures slipped 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $70.23 per barrel by 0110 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $65.11 per barrel. Despite the minor pullback, both oil benchmarks closed more than 4% higher on Wednesday, marking their strongest settlement levels since January 30. The surge reflected growing concerns over potential oil supply disruptions linked to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
Market analysts note that while geopolitical risks remain elevated, traders are adopting a cautious stance. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities Investment, said that although tensions between Washington and Tehran persist, investors generally believe a full-scale military conflict is unlikely. He added that any potential U.S. military response would likely involve limited, short-term air strikes rather than a prolonged confrontation. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump is widely seen as reluctant to allow a significant spike in crude oil prices.
Diplomatic discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva reportedly made limited progress this week. The White House indicated that negotiations are ongoing, with Iran expected to present further details in the coming weeks. However, Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) announcing planned rocket launches in southern regions, while the U.S. has deployed warships near Iranian waters. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington is evaluating whether to continue diplomatic engagement or pursue alternative measures.
Meanwhile, global energy markets are also tracking the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as peace talks concluded without significant progress. On the supply side, American Petroleum Institute data showed declines in U.S. crude, gasoline, and distillate inventories last week, contrary to expectations for a crude stock build. Traders now await official U.S. Energy Information Administration data for further direction in the volatile oil market.
