South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
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 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday while the U.S. dollar strengthened as hopes for a breakthrough in reopening the Strait of Hormuz faded, increasing concerns over global energy supply disruptions. Investors also turned cautious ahead of crucial U.S. inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision.
Brent crude futures climbed 0.7% to $105 per barrel after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran was “on life support.” Tehran’s response to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict reportedly showed both sides remain far apart, keeping geopolitical tensions elevated in the Middle East.
Global stock markets weakened as rising oil prices and uncertainty over trade and inflation pressured investor sentiment. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.2%, while South Korea’s KOSPI index dropped 3%, dragging down broader Asian markets. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan fell 1%, while European futures declined 1%.
Markets are closely monitoring Trump’s scheduled visit to China on Wednesday. Analysts expect limited progress on both Iran-related negotiations and U.S.-China trade discussions. Investors are mainly hoping for stability, with no additional tariffs or export restrictions.
Despite higher energy prices, Wall Street remained relatively resilient overnight, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching fresh record closing highs. However, traders are now focused on upcoming U.S. consumer price index data, which is expected to show annual inflation accelerating to 3.7%.
A stronger-than-expected inflation reading could force the Federal Reserve to consider another interest rate hike instead of anticipated rate cuts, potentially increasing volatility across financial markets.
Meanwhile, bond yields continued to rise globally. Japan’s 10-year government bond yield surged to a 29-year high of 2.54%, fueled by expectations of further policy tightening from the Bank of Japan. The U.S. dollar also gained strength, rising to 157.53 yen against the Japanese currency.
