Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
U.S. stocks ended flat on Friday as markets shook off initial jitters from a Financial Times report suggesting former President Donald Trump is pushing for steep tariffs—between 15% and 20%—on European Union goods. While the S&P 500 dipped 0.01% to 6,296.79, the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.05% to 20,895.66. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32% to 44,342.19.
Despite the tariff scare, investor confidence remains strong, with both the S&P and Nasdaq hovering near record highs. Analysts note a shift in sentiment, with markets showing less sensitivity to trade threats and more focus on hard economic data. BNP Paribas strategist Greg Boutle remarked that investors are now awaiting solid proof of policy impacts.
Economic reports painted a mixed picture: retail sales were strong, consumer inflation rose, and producer prices were flat in June. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index also climbed, though inflation concerns persist.
Earnings season began with varied results. Of 59 S&P 500 companies reporting so far, 81.4% exceeded expectations. Yet, outperforming estimates hasn’t guaranteed stock gains—American Express and Netflix both fell despite beating forecasts. On the upside, Charles Schwab rose 2.9% on strong profits, and Regions Financial jumped 6.1% after raising its 2025 outlook.
Cryptocurrency stocks advanced after the U.S. House passed a bill to establish a crypto regulatory framework. Robinhood climbed 4.1%, and Coinbase rose 2.2%.
Sector-wise, utilities led gains with a 1.7% rise, hitting a record close. Energy lagged, down 1%, dragged by SLB and Exxon Mobil, which fell after disappointing earnings and a legal loss involving Hess.
For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.59%, the Nasdaq rose 1.5%, and the Dow slipped 0.07%.
