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 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
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 
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 
U.S. stock markets ended mixed on Monday, staging a strong rebound after early losses triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investors initially reacted to news of U.S. air strikes on Iran, but a rally in technology and energy stocks helped Wall Street recover by the closing bell.
The benchmark S&P 500 edged slightly higher to 6,879.33 after erasing a 1.2% decline. The tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite gained 0.4% to 22,748.86, reversing a 1.6% drop earlier in the session. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2% to close at 48,904.78.
Market resilience surprised many analysts as geopolitical risks intensified. Over the weekend, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, targeting key military assets. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks across parts of the Middle East, including Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war, especially after diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program stalled.
President Donald Trump outlined four objectives for the military operation: dismantling Iran’s missile systems, neutralizing its naval forces, preventing nuclear weapon development, and stopping state-sponsored terrorism. Officials indicated the campaign could extend beyond initial timelines if necessary.
Financial markets reacted sharply to rising energy concerns. Oil prices surged amid fears of supply disruptions, particularly around the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Brent crude jumped 7.6% to $78.41 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 6.5% to $71.36, marking multi-month highs.
Higher crude prices have fueled inflation concerns, potentially complicating expectations for near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. However, analysts noted that investors appear cautious rather than panicked, focusing on whether the conflict will be brief or prolonged.
Despite volatility, historical trends suggest staying invested during geopolitical uncertainty may be more beneficial than attempting to time market swings, as demonstrated by Monday’s late-session recovery.
