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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 
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 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
U.S. stock index futures moved slightly higher Thursday night as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz pressured investor sentiment and pulled Wall Street away from recent record highs. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, strong confidence in artificial intelligence continued to support technology stocks and limited broader market losses.
S&P 500 Futures gained 0.2% to 7,377.25 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures climbed 0.3% to 28,767.0 points. Dow Jones Futures also rose 0.1% to 49,768.0 points during late trading activity. Investors remained focused on the impact of the Middle East conflict on global markets and the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which could provide fresh signals on Federal Reserve interest rate policy.
The U.S. military confirmed it intercepted Iranian attacks targeting three American warships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran accused Washington of violating an existing ceasefire after U.S. strikes reportedly hit several locations near the strategic waterway. Tehran has continued efforts to strengthen control over the strait, a critical route for global oil shipments.
President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement remains active, describing the latest military exchange as “a love tap.” However, he later warned Iran of additional strikes if negotiations failed to progress quickly.
Renewed military activity weakened hopes for a near-term U.S.-Iran peace agreement, especially after both nations previously indicated signs of diplomatic progress earlier in the week. The uncertainty dragged major U.S. indexes lower during Thursday’s session. The S&P 500 declined 0.3%, the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%.
Technology and semiconductor stocks saw mild profit-taking after recent rallies, although enthusiasm surrounding AI-driven growth continued to support the sector. Investors are now closely monitoring Friday’s nonfarm payrolls data to assess the strength of the U.S. labor market and potential economic disruptions caused by the Iran conflict. Analysts believe the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged for the remainder of the year amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
