Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
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 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
U.S. stock markets closed mostly higher on Monday, recovering from a sharp sell-off in the previous session as investors welcomed a rebound in semiconductor stocks and signs of easing tensions between Iran and Israel.
The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to finish at 7,404.73, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.9% to close at 25,929.66. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.2% to 50,785.52. The market recovery followed Friday’s steep decline, when the S&P 500 suffered its worst performance of the year and the Nasdaq recorded its biggest daily loss in more than twelve months.
Investors had reacted negatively to a stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report, which reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Higher Treasury yields put pressure on growth and technology stocks, contributing to the broad market decline. However, analysts believe the recent pullback represents a healthy correction rather than the start of a prolonged downturn.
Market attention is now shifting to key U.S. inflation data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reports are scheduled for release this week and could influence future Federal Reserve policy decisions. Economists expect rising energy costs, driven by elevated oil prices, to play a major role in inflation trends.
Geopolitical developments also remained in focus. Over the weekend, Iran and Israel exchanged military strikes, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict. However, both countries later indicated that military operations had been suspended for the time being. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged both sides to pursue an immediate ceasefire, helping calm investor fears.
Oil prices initially surged amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude briefly climbed above $98 per barrel before easing to around $94.40 after announcements from both governments signaled a pause in hostilities.
Technology shares led Monday’s gains. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumped 5.6%, with Intel, Micron, and KLA posting strong advances. Marvell Technology surged 9.6% after confirmation that it will join the S&P 500 index. Eli Lilly gained 1.5% following positive clinical trial results, while Apple slipped 1.9% after investors reacted cautiously to announcements made during its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Despite ongoing concerns about inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical risks, investors remain optimistic that strong corporate earnings and resilient economic growth will continue supporting U.S. stock market performance in 2026.
