US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Russian stocks closed lower on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index dropping 0.98%, weighed down by declines in the mining, telecoms, and power sectors.
PhosAgro PJSC (MCX:PHOR) led the gainers, rising 0.85% to 6,633.00. TATNEFT (MCX:TATN) added 0.77% to close at 693.90, while LUKOIL PJSC (MCX:LKOH) climbed 0.73%, ending at 7,346.50.
On the downside, PIK SHb PJSC (MCX:PIKK) was the session’s worst performer, falling 5.80% to 590.00. AFK Sistema PJSC (MCX:AFKS) dropped 3.25% to 18.74, and VK Company Ltd (MCX:VKCO) lost 2.35%, closing at 294.40.
Market sentiment remained cautious, with declining stocks outnumbering gainers. The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which gauges implied volatility on MOEX Russia Index options, fell sharply by 11.03% to 42.04, indicating reduced investor uncertainty despite the market downturn.
In commodities, April gold futures slipped 0.74% to $3,021.40 per troy ounce. Crude oil for May delivery eased 0.26% to $67.89 a barrel. However, Brent oil for May edged up 0.22% to $72.16.
On the currency front, the ruble strengthened against major currencies. USD/RUB fell 0.50% to 84.50, while EUR/RUB declined 0.84% to 91.37. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index Futures gained 0.24%, reaching 103.74.
With geopolitical factors and commodity prices continuing to influence market trends, investors remain vigilant. The decline in MOEX reflects broader caution across global markets, especially amid shifting energy and currency dynamics.
