Iran War Escalates as US, Houthis Target Ships Near Key Oil Routes 
France Inflation Rises 2.4% in July as Consumer Prices Increase 
European Stocks Rise as U.S. Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Soft US Inflation Weighs on Dollar 
Asian Currencies Steady Ahead of US CPI as Oil Prices Rise 
Canada-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of Aug. 19 Tariff Deadline 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Lifts South Korea, Japan 
Gold Prices Slip From 10-Week High as Fed and Hormuz Risks Shape Outlook 
UK Economy Posts Surprise June Growth as World Cup and Hot Weather Lift Activity 
Gold Prices Slip From Two-Month High as Inflation and Fed Outlook Drive Markets 
US Dollar Slips as Softer PPI Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
US Dollar Holds Firm as Fed Outlook and Iran Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Slide as OPEC, IEA Cut 2026 Demand Forecasts 
S&P 500 Retreats From Record High as AI Stocks Slide, Retail Sales Disappoint 
Japan Government Backs Earlier BOJ Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
US Dollar Slips as Weak Retail Sales Reduce Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Trump Imposes New US Tariffs on Drone Imports Over National Security Concerns 
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Asian Stocks Surge, Dollar Hits 7-Week High
Asian stocks surged on Monday, with the dollar reaching a seven-week peak against the yen. The rally was sparked by robust U.S. labor data, easing recession fears and reducing expectations for rate cuts.
U.S. Treasury Yields & Job Growth
Short-term U.S. Treasury yields rose after U.S. non-farm payrolls data reported the highest job growth in six months. The strong labor market sent Dow futures slightly higher, pointing to continued gains.
Stock Market Highlights
- Japan’s Nikkei: Up 2%, supported by a weaker yen.
- Australia’s Benchmark: Rose 0.12%.
- South Korea’s Kospi: Increased by 0.29%.
- MSCI Asia-Pacific Index: Climbed 0.4%.
Crude Oil & Geopolitical Tensions
Oil prices dipped from recent highs, despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude fell to $77.40 per barrel, and U.S. crude dropped to $73.85 per barrel.
Currency Market Movements
The U.S. dollar hit 149.10 yen, the highest since August, while the euro eased to $1.0971. Japan's top currency official pledged to monitor forex movements closely.
Federal Reserve & Interest Rates
Bets on a larger Federal Reserve rate cut in November faded, with traders now predicting a quarter-point reduction or no change, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Treasury Yields & Gold Prices
The two-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest in over a month at 3.9488%. Gold edged slightly lower to $2,649.29 an ounce.
