Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
U.S. stock futures moved lower on Monday as renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran unsettled global markets and raised concerns about the future of a fragile ceasefire expected to expire later this week. As of early trading, Dow Jones futures dropped about 292 points, or 0.6%, while S&P 500 futures declined 0.6% and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 0.5%, signaling a cautious start to the week on Wall Street.
The pullback follows a strong performance last week, when major U.S. stock indices climbed more than 1% and reached record highs. Investor sentiment had been boosted by reports that the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for nearly 20% of global oil supply—had reopened after weeks of disruption. Optimism also grew around a potential extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, suggesting the possibility of a longer-term resolution.
However, fresh developments have clouded that outlook. Former President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel accused of breaching sanctions, prompting Tehran to issue threats of retaliation. Iran has also hinted it may withdraw from upcoming negotiations, intensifying uncertainty. Conflicting reports regarding the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz have further added to market volatility, with some data indicating resumed shipping activity while Iranian officials claim renewed closures.
As a result, oil prices surged sharply, reversing last week’s losses. Brent crude rose over 5% to around $95 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained more than 6%, reflecting heightened supply concerns.
Investors are also closely watching a busy week of corporate earnings reports, including results from major companies such as American Express, Intel, Tesla, and UnitedHealth. Economic data, particularly U.S. business activity figures for April, will also play a key role in shaping market direction.
Market analysts note that ongoing geopolitical risks, combined with key economic indicators and earnings updates, could drive increased volatility across global financial markets in the days ahead.
