Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
U.S. stock futures were mostly unchanged Monday night following a slightly negative close on Wall Street, as investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran ahead of a potential ceasefire deadline. Market participants are closely tracking geopolitical developments while preparing for key economic data and corporate earnings that could influence near-term direction.
S&P 500 Futures rose modestly by 0.1% to 7,155.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 0.2% to 26,808.75. Dow Jones Futures also edged up 0.1% to 49,708.0. Despite these small gains in after-hours trading, sentiment remains fragile after the major indexes ended lower during the regular session. The S&P 500 declined around 0.2%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed slightly in the red, breaking a recent winning streak.
Investor uncertainty has been fueled by rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Iran’s move to re-close the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions, pushing oil prices sharply higher. Additional tension followed reports that the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo vessel, prompting threats of retaliation from Tehran. Mixed signals surrounding possible peace negotiations in Pakistan have added to the uncertainty, with doubts lingering about Iran’s participation.
Market attention is now turning to diplomatic talks scheduled in Islamabad, where U.S. officials are expected to engage in another round of discussions aimed at easing tensions. However, the lack of clear commitment from Iranian leaders continues to weigh on investor confidence.
Beyond geopolitics, traders are watching the upcoming confirmation hearing of Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh. His stance on monetary policy and central bank independence could have significant implications for interest rates and broader market conditions.
Investors are also bracing for a busy earnings calendar, with major companies such as UnitedHealth, GE Aerospace, 3M, and Halliburton set to report. Additionally, March retail sales data will be closely analyzed for insights into consumer spending trends amid rising energy costs, making it a crucial factor for market outlook.
