Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength Caps Gains 
India Budget 2025 Highlights Manufacturing Push but Falls Short of Market Expectations 
Japan Finance Minister Defends PM Takaichi’s Remarks on Weak Yen Benefits 
Oil Prices Slide Nearly 3% as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Geopolitical Tensions 
S&P 500 Rises as AI Stocks and Small Caps Rally on Strong Earnings Outlook 
Asian Currencies Strengthen as Indian Rupee and Australian Dollar Rally 
Taiwan Urges Stronger Trade Ties With Fellow Democracies, Rejects Economic Dependence on China 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Investors Eye Big Tech Earnings and AI Momentum 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges 
Japan’s Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Exports Hit Record High in 2025 Despite Tariffs 
South Korea Inflation Hits Five-Month Low as CPI Reaches Central Bank Target 
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
The U.S. dollar extended gains against the yen for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, boosted by rising U.S. yields and renewed trade tensions. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Japan and other nations, with more trade-related proclamations expected. Trump stated that "a minimum of 7 countries" will be addressed in new announcements, fueling speculation on further tariffs or deals.
The dollar rose 0.2% to 146.85 yen, hitting a two-week high, as markets priced in higher U.S. yields and fiscal concerns in Japan ahead of the July 20 upper house elections. IG analyst Tony Sycamore noted stalled U.S.-Japan talks, largely due to Japan’s rice market protections, which remain a sticking point.
The dollar index held steady at 97.582 after two days of gains, reflecting strength across major peers. The euro remained flat at $1.1720, while the British pound slipped 0.1% to $1.35795. The Australian dollar dipped to $0.6526, while New Zealand’s kiwi traded at $0.5993.
Trump’s tariff plans include a 50% duty on imported copper, with semiconductors and pharmaceuticals also targeted in upcoming measures. Meanwhile, the European Union is reportedly seeking exemptions from the 10% U.S. baseline tariff, according to EU sources.
Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda voiced concerns about inflationary pressures from rising rice prices, which could have second-round effects on core inflation. Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the G20 finance meeting in South Africa but is set to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
As global markets react to trade policy shifts and currency movements, investors remain focused on central bank responses and geopolitical developments.
