Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
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 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
U.S. stock markets closed slightly higher on Wednesday as investors balanced strong gains in consumer sectors against weakness in energy and financial stocks. The S&P 500 ended nearly flat at 7,520.45, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.1% to close at 26,674.74. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.4% to 50,644.41. All three indexes achieved new record highs despite cautious trading sentiment.
Market analysts noted that investors are taking profits after a powerful rally driven mainly by technology stocks and artificial intelligence demand. The S&P 500 has surged roughly 18% since late March, while technology shares have jumped nearly 38%. Experts believe the market trend remains positive, although volatility could increase in the coming weeks as earnings season winds down.
Technology stocks, especially semiconductor companies, remained a key focus. Micron Technology continued attracting attention as demand for AI-related memory chips boosted investor confidence. The company recently surpassed a $1 trillion market value, joining major Asian chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Analysts expect Micron’s revenue and profits to continue growing through 2026 and 2027 due to increasing AI infrastructure investments.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions also influenced trading activity. Reports about a possible memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran briefly raised hopes for reduced conflict in the Middle East. However, the White House rejected claims made by Iranian state media regarding a proposed agreement. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing, though no official deal has been finalized.
Oil prices declined as traders anticipated improved shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Brent crude futures dropped to around $95 per barrel after recent spikes above $100.
Among individual stocks, PDD Holdings fell more than 10% after disappointing quarterly revenue results, while Abercrombie & Fitch jumped 9% following stronger-than-expected earnings.
