China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
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.
