US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Oil prices climbed sharply during early Asian trading on Monday as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified following a drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant. The incident has heightened concerns over global oil supply disruptions and increased fears of a wider regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Brent crude futures for July delivery jumped 1.3%, reaching $110.71 per barrel by 19:42 ET (23:42 GMT). The rise in crude oil prices comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Iran conflict and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Reports indicated that Iran and allied proxy groups were likely behind the drone attack that triggered a fire near the UAE nuclear facility on Sunday. The strike followed earlier missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against the UAE this month, further escalating military tensions across the Gulf region.
U.S. President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Tehran by warning that the “clock is ticking” for Iran to agree to a diplomatic deal. Meanwhile, sources revealed that the U.S. and Israel are actively discussing additional military operations targeting Iran, raising fears of broader instability in the Middle East oil market.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed since late February after Iran blocked the strategic waterway. The disruption has severely impacted oil shipments to Asia, supporting higher crude prices as supply concerns continue to dominate the market.
Efforts to ease tensions through diplomacy have shown little progress. A recent U.S.-China summit produced no major breakthroughs regarding the Iran crisis, while ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
Analysts expect oil market volatility to remain elevated as investors closely monitor developments surrounding the Iran war, Middle East security risks, and global energy supply chains.
