Chinese AI Stocks Rally After OpenAI Launches GPT-6 Astra 
Hungary Industrial Output Beats Forecasts With 4.7% July Growth 
US Oil Blockade Deepens Iran’s Economic Crisis 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Tensions Threaten Supply 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism Fuels Chipmaker Surge 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Yen Rallies on BOJ Bets 
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone as Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Higher 
European Stocks Flat as Iran Tensions, ECB Rate Hike Loom 
China Expands Influence in Global Gold Market 
Asian Currencies Rise as Yen Surges on Fed Rate Outlook 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Strong Jobs Data Boosts Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Jefferies Names 6 Top India Stock Picks Across Key Sectors 
Singapore Straits Times Index Hits Record High as Banks, Property Stocks Rally 
U.S. Payrolls Seen Rebounding in August as Labor Market Stays Soft 
ECB Set for September Rate Hike as Energy Prices Fuel Inflation 
UK House Prices Fall for First Time Since 2023 
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U.S. stock index futures moved higher Tuesday night after President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in “Operation Freedom,” a military initiative aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Investors reacted positively to Trump’s statement that the suspension could help finalize a potential agreement with Iran, fueling optimism about easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
By 19:39 ET, S&P 500 Futures gained 0.4% to 7,315 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures jumped 0.8% to 28,363 points. Dow Jones Futures also advanced 0.2% to 49,510 points. The gains followed a strong Wall Street session that pushed major U.S. indexes to fresh record highs.
Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran had made “great progress,” suggesting that a comprehensive Iran deal could be close. Although military operations in the Strait of Hormuz have been paused temporarily, the U.S. will reportedly maintain its naval blockade against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also indicated earlier that the campaign was intended to be temporary, helping boost investor confidence.
Recent tensions in the region had raised concerns after Iran allegedly targeted several vessels and launched missile strikes toward the United Arab Emirates. In response, U.S. forces reportedly struck Iranian ships, increasing fears of broader conflict and disruptions to global oil supply routes.
Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Wall Street continued its rally. The S&P 500 closed 0.8% higher at a record 7,259.23, while the Nasdaq Composite surged 1% to another all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.7% to 49,298.25.
Technology stocks also supported the market rally. Alphabet shares reached record highs after reports revealed a massive $200 billion spending commitment tied to AI startup Anthropic. AMD shares soared more than 15% in after-hours trading after the chipmaker posted stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings and issued upbeat guidance, highlighting continued growth in artificial intelligence demand.
Investors are now watching upcoming earnings reports from Arm Holdings, Disney, Uber, McDonald’s, Gilead Sciences, and McKesson, along with Friday’s closely watched U.S. nonfarm payrolls data.
