Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at record highs on Thursday, driven by strong U.S. retail sales data and upbeat corporate earnings. The Nasdaq rose 153.78 points (0.74%) to 20,884.27, marking its sixth record close in seven sessions. The S&P 500 gained 33.66 points (0.54%) to 6,297.36, while the Dow Jones climbed 229.71 points (0.52%) to 44,484.49.
Investors embraced signs of resilient consumer spending, despite concerns over inflation and President Trump’s recent tariffs. U.S. retail sales rebounded sharply in June, indicating strong consumer confidence even amid trade tensions and higher prices. Analysts noted that both economic indicators and earnings have provided support for the ongoing market rally.
Fed Governor Adriana Kugler confirmed Thursday that interest rate cuts remain on hold as policymakers assess the inflationary impact of import tariffs. Market expectations now place the probability of a September rate cut at 54%, while a July move is largely dismissed, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.
Earnings from major consumer and tech companies boosted sentiment. PepsiCo surged 7.5% after upbeat forecasts, fueled by demand for energy drinks and healthier beverages. United Airlines jumped 3.1% on stronger post-July demand. Delta and American Airlines also gained over 1.4%.
Tech stocks rallied following strong earnings from TSMC, the top AI chipmaker, which reported record quarterly profits and strong AI demand. U.S.-listed shares of TSMC rose 3.4%, with Marvell and Nvidia up 1.6% and 1%, respectively.
Financials led sector gains with a 0.9% rise. Netflix advanced 1.9% before posting better-than-expected earnings, boosted by the final season of “Squid Game.” Analysts say Big Tech could see more upside as AI momentum and earnings season continue.
