U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian stock markets rose slightly on Monday while the euro gained, after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed his proposed 50% tariffs on European Union goods to July 9. The extension, announced after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, offered a temporary reprieve and fueled cautious optimism in global markets.
MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan inched up 0.12%, and Japan’s Nikkei traded slightly higher. Trading volumes remained light with U.S. and UK markets closed for public holidays. However, sentiment remains fragile as Trump’s unpredictable trade tactics continue to unsettle investors.
Markets had recently stabilized following new trade deals with the UK and a temporary agreement with China. But Trump’s tariff threats, including a 25% levy on imported iPhones, have reignited fears of a global economic slowdown. Analysts from Brown Brothers Harriman warned that escalating tensions among the U.S., EU, and China—who collectively represent 60% of global GDP—could have widespread economic implications.
Japan’s Nippon Steel surged 4.3% after Trump backed its $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, which soared 21% on Friday. Meanwhile, investors are eyeing Japan’s upcoming inflation data and super-long bond yields for clues on Bank of Japan policy.
The euro rose 0.3% to $1.1397, hitting its highest level since April 30, while the dollar recovered 0.3% to 143.085 yen. China’s blue-chip index slipped 0.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.4%.
Markets are also anticipating Nvidia’s earnings report on Wednesday. The AI leader's stock is down over 2% this year amid rising competition from Chinese models and concerns over U.S. export restrictions. Nvidia is reportedly preparing a lower-priced AI chip for China, pending U.S. approval.
Crude oil prices edged higher while gold slightly retreated.
