European Stocks Flat as Oil Prices Rise, US CPI in Focus 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Futures Rise as Iran Risks and CPI Loom 
China Exports Beat July Forecasts as AI Demand Fuels High-Tech Trade 
Oil Prices Set for Steep Weekly Losses as Hormuz Deal Stalls 
Japan Executives Warn Weak Yen and Currency Volatility Threaten Economy 
Iran-Oman Near Strait of Hormuz Deal as Shipping Tensions Persist 
US Dollar Falls as Weak July Jobs Report Dents Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Japan Posts First Current Account Deficit in 17 Months as Dividend Payments Surge 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Chip Selloff Hits KOSPI, Nikkei Ahead of US Jobs Data 
US Job Growth Seen Picking Up in July 
Goldman Sachs Sees US Stock Buybacks Outpacing Equity Issuance as AI Funding Rises 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await U.S. Jobs Data 
Gold Prices Surge 7% as Dollar Falls, Fed Rate Hike Bets Ease 
US Yen Intervention Unlikely to Deliver Lasting Recovery, Yardeni Says 
Gold Prices Hold Near Seven-Week High as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Stocks Rise as Weak US Jobs Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Bets 
U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Sunday evening as investors looked for a recovery in technology and semiconductor stocks following last week’s sharp market sell-off. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to weigh on market sentiment after Iran launched missile strikes against Israel over the weekend.
S&P 500 futures gained 0.1% to 7,411.25, while Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.6% to 29,174.50. Dow Jones futures also rose 0.1% to 50,751.0, signaling a cautiously optimistic start to the trading week.
The rebound comes after Wall Street suffered significant losses on Friday, driven largely by a steep decline in technology and chipmaking stocks. Investors moved to lock in profits after an extended artificial intelligence-driven rally, while stronger-than-expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls data fueled concerns that interest rates could remain elevated for longer.
The Nasdaq Composite recorded its worst session since April 2025, plunging 4.2% to 25,709.43. The S&P 500 dropped 2.6% to 7,383.74, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.4% to 50,866.78. Semiconductor stocks led the decline, with AI giant Nvidia falling more than 6% during Friday’s session.
Meanwhile, geopolitical risks intensified after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel in response to Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah-linked positions in Lebanon. Reports suggest Israel is considering retaliatory measures, although U.S. President Donald Trump has urged restraint in hopes of preserving diplomatic efforts with Tehran.
The growing conflict has raised concerns about disruptions to global energy markets. Oil prices surged following the attacks, increasing fears of inflationary pressure and potential economic fallout. Higher energy costs, combined with resilient U.S. labor market data, have strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain a restrictive monetary policy stance.
Investors will closely monitor developments in the Middle East, oil price movements, Treasury yields, and upcoming economic data for further direction in U.S. financial markets.
