RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Asian stock markets traded mostly higher on Tuesday, buoyed by Wall Street’s record-breaking performance, with South Korea’s KOSPI surging 1.6% to lead regional gains. Investor sentiment was lifted by optimism around trade negotiations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s July 9 tariff deadline, which could see current 10% tariffs rise further without new agreements.
Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) jumped nearly 2%, driving South Korea’s rally. The positive momentum followed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting all-time closing highs on Monday, while U.S. futures edged higher during Asian trading hours.
China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% and the CSI 300 index added 0.1% after Caixin Manufacturing PMI data showed an unexpected uptick in June, signaling improved trade conditions. Australia’s ASX 200 added 0.2%, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index climbed 0.8%. Indian Nifty 50 futures remained flat. Hong Kong markets were closed due to a public holiday.
Investors remained cautious as Trump’s tariff ultimatum nears. Although the U.S. finalized a trade deal with China last week and Canada withdrew its proposed digital services tax to restart talks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of potential tariff hikes despite active negotiations, urging countries to secure deals swiftly.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1%, retreating from near a one-year high, while the TOPIX declined 0.8%. The pullback came after Trump criticized ongoing U.S.-Japan trade talks, accusing Tokyo of refusing to import American rice despite domestic shortages. Trump labeled Japan “spoiled” in a Truth Social post and hinted at upcoming tariff action, adding tension to already strained bilateral talks.
With Trump’s July 9 deadline fast approaching, markets are bracing for a flurry of last-minute trade developments that could significantly impact regional equities.
