Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
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 
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 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
U.S. stock futures edged higher বৃহস্পতিবার evening following record-breaking performances from the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, as investors weighed strong corporate earnings against ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.2% to 7,258.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.1% to reach 27,626.75. Dow Jones futures also rose 0.2% to 49,917.0, reflecting continued market resilience.
Wall Street closed Thursday on a strong note, with the S&P 500 advancing 1% to surpass the 7,200 level for the first time. The Nasdaq Composite added approximately 0.9%, also achieving a new all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed, jumping 1.6% as investor confidence strengthened.
The rally was largely driven by upbeat corporate earnings, which reinforced optimism about business performance and economic stability. Positive results from major companies helped ease concerns over inflation and geopolitical risks. In after-hours trading, Apple shares surged 4% after reporting strong quarterly earnings, highlighting robust iPhone demand and continued growth in its high-margin services segment. The tech giant posted record revenue and earnings per share, with iPhone sales increasing more than 20% for the second consecutive quarter.
Reddit also saw significant gains, with its stock jumping nearly 13% after delivering better-than-expected first-quarter results, including higher daily active user numbers. Investors are now closely watching upcoming earnings reports from major firms such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and AutoNation, which are scheduled before Friday’s market open.
Despite the positive momentum, market sentiment remains cautious due to escalating geopolitical tensions. Reports indicate that the U.S. is considering additional military actions against Iran, raising fears of further conflict. Iran has warned of severe retaliation if attacked, adding uncertainty to global markets.
Oil prices remain volatile, with Brent crude previously surging above $126 per barrel before pulling back to around $114. The ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global oil supply expectations, keeping investors alert to potential market shifts.
