Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
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 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Wall Street ended mostly lower as investors reacted to the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged, a move that was widely expected but still influenced market sentiment. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite closed relatively flat, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined, reflecting cautious trading activity amid economic uncertainty and global tensions .
The Federal Open Market Committee maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.50%–3.75%, signaling a careful approach as inflation concerns persist. Rising oil prices, driven by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, continue to pressure consumer prices and complicate the Fed’s monetary policy strategy. Analysts note that while inflation remains above target, early signs of labor market softening create a challenging environment for future rate decisions .
Investor focus is also shifting toward major tech earnings, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta set to release quarterly results. These tech giants play a crucial role in shaping overall market performance, especially as they invest heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Concerns have emerged about whether significant AI spending will deliver strong returns, particularly after reports suggested slower-than-expected growth in the sector .
Geopolitical developments further influenced market sentiment, as tensions in the Middle East escalated. Reports of a potential prolonged U.S. naval blockade on Iran have contributed to rising oil prices, with Brent crude surging significantly. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified supply concerns, adding volatility to global energy markets .
Despite these challenges, the earnings season has shown resilience, with a majority of companies exceeding expectations. Firms like Visa, NXP Semiconductors, and Seagate reported strong results, driven by steady consumer spending and robust demand for AI-related technologies. However, not all companies performed well, as some stocks declined following weaker earnings reports .
Overall, the stock market outlook remains mixed, with investors balancing interest rate policy, corporate earnings, and geopolitical risks.
