Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
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 
U.S. stock index futures showed little movement Sunday night following record-breaking closes last week, as rising oil prices and stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations weighed on investor sentiment. Market participants are now preparing for a critical week filled with major corporate earnings and a key Federal Reserve decision.
S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% to 7,189.75, while Dow Jones futures declined 0.2% to 49,293. Meanwhile, Nasdaq 100 futures edged up 0.1% to 27,455.75. Despite the muted start, Wall Street recently posted strong gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching all-time highs after four consecutive weeks of growth. The Nasdaq led weekly gains with a 1.5% increase, while the S&P 500 rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, dipped 0.4% over the same period.
Energy markets are drawing attention as oil prices climb sharply. Brent crude surged to $108 per barrel during Asian trading after U.S.-Iran talks stalled, raising concerns over global supply disruptions. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, has intensified fears of prolonged energy constraints, further impacting global market confidence.
Geopolitical tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned diplomatic visit to Pakistan aimed at advancing Iran-related negotiations. Talks held earlier in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving uncertainty around future developments.
Investors are now focused on upcoming earnings reports from major technology companies, often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.” Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms are set to release results midweek, followed by Apple. These reports are expected to play a significant role in shaping market direction.
Additionally, attention is on the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on Wednesday. This meeting could be particularly notable as it may be the final one chaired by Jerome Powell before a leadership transition, adding another layer of importance for investors monitoring interest rate outlooks and economic signals.
