Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Trump Administration Halts Immigration, Green Card, and Citizenship Processing for 19 Countries 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
The European Union and the United States are reportedly nearing a major trade agreement, signaling progress in efforts to ease transatlantic tensions. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said on Monday that negotiations are advancing well, expressing optimism about a potential breakthrough. “The feeling on our side was that we are very close to an agreement,” Sefcovic noted ahead of a meeting with EU trade ministers in Brussels.
The statement comes amid heightened concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threat to impose a 30% tariff on EU imports starting August 1. Sefcovic warned that such a steep tariff could severely damage economic ties, potentially halting trade flows between the two regions altogether. “A 30% tariff would effectively eliminate trade between the U.S. and EU,” he cautioned.
The high-stakes discussions, held in the Belgian capital, reflect growing urgency as officials aim to prevent a full-blown trade war. A final deal could help stabilize markets and strengthen economic cooperation between two of the world’s largest economies. The EU is pushing to secure fair terms while also fending off protectionist measures that could impact key industries such as automotive and agriculture.
With both sides under pressure to avoid escalation, analysts say a resolution would not only bolster global trade sentiment but also offer a critical reprieve for industries bracing for additional costs. The next few weeks will be pivotal as negotiators work to finalize terms and avert a disruptive tariff standoff.
