Gold Prices Hold Near Seven-Week High as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
BOJ Signals Faster Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Raise September Move Odds 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Reopening Remains Uncertain 
US Stock Futures Flat as Iran Strait of Hormuz Demands Fuel Oil Concerns 
Iran-Oman Near Strait of Hormuz Deal as Shipping Tensions Persist 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Futures Rise as Iran Risks and CPI Loom 
Australian Shares Fall as Westpac Slides, Miners Gain Ahead of RBA Decision 
China Trade Surplus Beats Forecasts in July as Exports Stay Strong 
Japan Posts First Current Account Deficit in 17 Months as Dividend Payments Surge 
Trump Unveils $3 Billion U.S. Critical Minerals Push 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await U.S. Jobs Data 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Chip Selloff Hits KOSPI, Nikkei Ahead of US Jobs Data 
Oil Prices Set for Steep Weekly Losses as Hormuz Deal Stalls 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Reopening Remains Uncertain 
South Korean Won Leads Asian FX Losses as Dollar Rises 
U.S. stock markets closed slightly higher on Wednesday as investors balanced strong gains in consumer sectors against weakness in energy and financial stocks. The S&P 500 ended nearly flat at 7,520.45, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.1% to close at 26,674.74. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.4% to 50,644.41. All three indexes achieved new record highs despite cautious trading sentiment.
Market analysts noted that investors are taking profits after a powerful rally driven mainly by technology stocks and artificial intelligence demand. The S&P 500 has surged roughly 18% since late March, while technology shares have jumped nearly 38%. Experts believe the market trend remains positive, although volatility could increase in the coming weeks as earnings season winds down.
Technology stocks, especially semiconductor companies, remained a key focus. Micron Technology continued attracting attention as demand for AI-related memory chips boosted investor confidence. The company recently surpassed a $1 trillion market value, joining major Asian chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Analysts expect Micron’s revenue and profits to continue growing through 2026 and 2027 due to increasing AI infrastructure investments.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions also influenced trading activity. Reports about a possible memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran briefly raised hopes for reduced conflict in the Middle East. However, the White House rejected claims made by Iranian state media regarding a proposed agreement. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing, though no official deal has been finalized.
Oil prices declined as traders anticipated improved shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Brent crude futures dropped to around $95 per barrel after recent spikes above $100.
Among individual stocks, PDD Holdings fell more than 10% after disappointing quarterly revenue results, while Abercrombie & Fitch jumped 9% following stronger-than-expected earnings.
