Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian markets held firm on Monday despite rising geopolitical risks from the Israel-Iran conflict, which pushed oil prices higher and added uncertainty ahead of several key central bank meetings. Brent crude rose $1.11 to $75.34 a barrel, while U.S. crude added $1.05 to reach $74.03, extending last week’s 13% surge. The ongoing conflict raises fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil chokepoint.
While global tensions mounted, investors remained composed. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan edged up 0.1%, with Japan’s Nikkei climbing 0.8% and South Korea gaining 0.5%. U.S. futures showed modest gains, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures up 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively.
Focus now turns to the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week. With oil-driven inflation risks rising, markets expect no change to the current 4.25%-4.5% rate band. Analysts, including JPMorgan’s Michael Feroli, anticipate the Fed’s updated "dot plot" will reflect only one rate cut in 2025, down from the previously forecasted two. Still, traders are betting on rate cuts starting in September, with two expected by year-end.
U.S. economic data, including retail sales on Tuesday and weekly jobless claims on Wednesday, will also influence sentiment. Meanwhile, European markets were slightly pressured due to energy import reliance, with EUROSTOXX 50 and DAX futures dipping.
The dollar gained 0.3% against the yen, while the euro slipped 0.1%. Oil-exporting currencies like the Norwegian crown hit multi-year highs. Gold rose 0.5% to $3,450 per ounce on safe-haven demand. Several central banks, including those in Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Japan, are set to decide on interest rates this week, adding to the market’s cautious yet resilient tone.
