Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Sparks AI Profitability Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Asian equities retreated on Thursday following disappointing Chinese economic data and a sharp drop in copper prices, while investors assessed a new trade deal between South Korea and the U.S. The dollar hovered near a two‑month high after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged and major U.S. tech firms posted strong earnings.
Nasdaq futures surged 1.2% and S&P 500 futures rose 0.8% after Microsoft and Meta reported stronger‑than‑expected revenue, driven by cloud computing and AI‑powered advertising. MSCI’s Asia‑Pacific index excluding Japan fell 0.7% but remained on track for a fourth straight monthly gain.
Chinese and Hong Kong stocks led losses as July PMI figures signaled slowing factory activity. Traders are now awaiting the Bank of Japan’s policy decision for clues on potential rate hikes. The Fed’s 9‑2 vote to hold rates steady marked the fifth consecutive meeting without a change, though Chair Jerome Powell’s comments dampened expectations for September cuts.
The dollar index stood at 98.81, close to Wednesday’s peak of 99.98, with a projected 3.1% monthly gain — its first rise in 2025. U.S. GDP beat forecasts in Q2 but showed underlying weakness amid trade policy uncertainty.
The Korean won firmed 0.3% after President Trump announced a 15% tariff on South Korean imports, paired with Seoul’s $350 billion U.S. investment pledge. Copper futures tumbled 19.4% after the U.S. confirmed a 50% tariff on pipes and wiring.
Oil prices extended gains for a fourth session, supported by supply concerns and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Brent crude traded at $73.48 a barrel, while WTI stood at $70.15.
Global markets remain volatile as investors navigate mixed economic signals, shifting trade policies, and central bank strategies.
