RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Gold Price Ends Lower for Fourth Week Despite Rebound as Fed Rate Hike Bets Strengthen 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Gold Prices Drop as Fed Rate Outlook and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market 
Asian Stocks Slip as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Lift Oil, Dollar Strength Persists 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Asian Stocks End Strong Quarter as Dollar Surges, Yen Hits 40-Year Low Ahead of US Jobs Data 
US Stock Futures Rise as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Market Sentiment 
China Manufacturing PMI Edges Higher in June as Exports and AI Investment Boost Growth 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
Asian stock markets delivered a mixed performance on Tuesday as investors reacted to elevated oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the Bank of Japan’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. Market sentiment remained cautious despite record highs on Wall Street, where technology stocks continued to drive gains.
The Bank of Japan held its short-term interest rate steady at 0.75% in a widely anticipated move, with a 6–3 vote backing the decision. Policymakers signaled a gradual path toward monetary tightening, noting that future rate hikes will depend on economic conditions and developments surrounding the Middle East conflict. The central bank also highlighted moderately rising inflation expectations, reinforcing the possibility of further policy adjustments later this year.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.7% to 60,107.50 after reaching a record high in the previous session, while the broader TOPIX index rose 0.8%, reflecting mixed investor sentiment. In contrast, South Korea’s KOSPI surged more than 1% to a fresh all-time high, outperforming regional peers.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets were subdued as rising crude oil prices continued to pressure risk appetite. Ongoing disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, linked to the Iran conflict, have kept oil prices near multi-week highs, fueling inflation concerns across global markets. Technology stocks in the region also declined, mirroring a cautious tone ahead of key U.S. earnings reports and increased scrutiny over artificial intelligence valuations.
A Wall Street Journal report indicating that OpenAI missed internal revenue and user growth targets ahead of a potential IPO added to uncertainty in the AI sector. Meanwhile, China’s Shanghai Composite dipped 0.1%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.5%. Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up slightly, while India’s Nifty 50 futures pointed lower.
Global investors are now closely watching the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision, which is expected to provide further direction for financial markets.
