Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Reopening Remains Uncertain 
US Dollar Gains as Iran Tensions, Fed Rate Hike Bets Rise 
Gold Prices Surge 7% as Dollar Falls, Fed Rate Hike Bets Ease 
US Yen Intervention Unlikely to Deliver Lasting Recovery, Yardeni Says 
Australian Shares Fall as Westpac Slides, Miners Gain Ahead of RBA Decision 
Trump Unveils $3 Billion U.S. Critical Minerals Push 
European Stocks Flat as Oil Prices Rise, US CPI in Focus 
Canada, US Hold Constructive Trade Talks as Tariff Negotiations Continue 
Japan Executives Warn Weak Yen and Currency Volatility Threaten Economy 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Chip Selloff Hits KOSPI, Nikkei Ahead of US Jobs Data 
Japan Posts First Current Account Deficit in 17 Months as Dividend Payments Surge 
Oil Prices Set for Steep Weekly Losses as Hormuz Deal Stalls 
BOJ Signals Faster Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Raise September Move Odds 
China Inflation Cools in July as CPI Misses Forecast, PPI Deflation Eases 
Gold Prices Hold Near Seven-Week High as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
Iran-Oman Near Strait of Hormuz Deal as Shipping Tensions Persist 
US Stock Futures Flat as Iran Strait of Hormuz Demands Fuel Oil Concerns 
U.S. stock index futures climbed sharply on Thursday as reports of ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran helped ease investor concerns over escalating Middle East tensions. The positive developments also supported a potential rebound in technology stocks following a difficult trading session on Wall Street.
As of early Thursday, S&P 500 futures gained 0.8%, while Nasdaq 100 futures surged 1.1%. Dow Jones futures also advanced 0.8%, signaling a stronger market open after major indexes suffered steep losses the previous day.
Investor sentiment improved after reports indicated that Washington and Tehran continued diplomatic discussions despite exchanging military strikes for a second consecutive day. According to multiple media reports, both countries are working toward a preliminary agreement that could include the release of frozen Iranian funds. However, uncertainty remains, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned of additional military action if Iran fails to accept a peace proposal.
The conflict intensified after the U.S. launched strikes against Iranian military targets, while Iran reportedly responded with attacks on U.S. interests and allies in the Gulf region. Despite the heightened rhetoric, analysts noted that the situation has not yet escalated into a broader regional conflict.
Meanwhile, technology stocks remained in focus after Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) declined in after-hours trading. The company projected capital expenditures of up to $95 billion for fiscal 2027, significantly above market expectations. Oracle also announced plans to raise $40 billion through debt and equity financing, overshadowing its stronger-than-expected earnings results.
Concerns over rising artificial intelligence spending were further amplified by reports that OpenAI may significantly reduce AI pricing amid increasing competition from rival firms. These developments have fueled questions about the long-term sustainability of the AI investment boom.
On Wednesday, the S&P 500 fell 1.6%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped nearly 2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its worst decline of 2026 so far. Investors are also monitoring inflation data closely, with producer price figures expected to provide additional clues on Federal Reserve interest rate policy.
In addition, market participants are watching the anticipated $1.75 trillion SpaceX listing scheduled for Friday, which could become the largest public offering in financial history.
