Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
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 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
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 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Oil prices edged lower on Monday but remained firmly above the $100 mark as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations continued to influence global energy markets. Brent crude futures dropped 64 cents, or 0.59%, to $107.53 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 84 cents, or 0.82%, to $101.10 per barrel. These declines followed sharper losses recorded at the end of last week.
Market sentiment shifted after U.S. President Donald Trump announced efforts to assist ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the United States would help ensure safe passage for vessels navigating restricted waterways, aiming to stabilize trade flows and reduce supply disruptions.
Despite this development, oil prices continue to be supported by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the lack of a formal U.S.-Iran peace agreement. The Strait of Hormuz remains partially constrained, limiting oil transportation and maintaining upward pressure on crude prices. Analysts note that negotiations between Washington and Tehran have made little progress, with both sides unwilling to compromise on key demands.
Adding to the complexity, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) confirmed a modest production increase of 188,000 barrels per day for June. This marks the third consecutive monthly output hike, although the actual supply boost may be limited due to continued disruptions linked to regional conflict. The adjustment excludes the United Arab Emirates, which exited OPEC earlier in May.
Overall, the global oil market remains highly sensitive to geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions, and diplomatic developments. As long as tensions in the Gulf persist and negotiations remain unresolved, crude oil prices are likely to stay elevated, with investors closely monitoring any signs of progress or escalation in the region.
