Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
U.S. stock index futures traded slightly higher on Tuesday evening as investors turned their attention to the Federal Reserve's highly anticipated interest rate decision and developments surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran agreement that could ease geopolitical tensions and impact global energy markets.
S&P 500 Futures gained 0.05% to 7,591.50, while Nasdaq 100 Futures advanced 0.05% to 30,335.50. Dow Jones Futures rose 0.08% to 52,513.0 as traders positioned themselves ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve policy announcement.
The modest gains in futures followed a mixed session on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.6% to a record closing high, while the S&P 500 declined 0.6% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.2%. Market participants rotated out of technology stocks and into more economically sensitive sectors, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment ahead of key monetary policy signals.
Investors are closely monitoring the conclusion of the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting. The central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.75%. This meeting marks the first policy decision under new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, making his comments on the U.S. economy, inflation, and future interest rate policy especially important for financial markets.
The Fed’s cautious stance is supported by a resilient labor market and ongoing concerns about inflation. However, policymakers may also take into account recent developments in the Middle East. Market attention remains focused on the expected signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, a move that could formally end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Oil prices declined sharply after news of the peace agreement emerged, raising expectations that lower energy costs could help ease inflationary pressures in the months ahead.
Among individual stocks, SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) continued its post-listing momentum, gaining 2.1% in after-hours trading following its strong market debut. Meanwhile, Lionsgate Studios Corp. (NASDAQ: LION) fell 5% after reports indicated that Netflix was not considering an acquisition of the entertainment company.
Technology stocks faced profit-taking pressure after recent gains fueled by optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and semiconductor demand. Despite weakness in the tech sector, investors remain optimistic that stable interest rates and improving geopolitical conditions could provide support for broader U.S. stock market performance.
