South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Oil Prices Drop as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Recovers 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Micron Earnings 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Australian Household Spending Rebounds Strongly in May as Travel and Dining Drive Consumer Growth 
Australia Jobs Growth Strengthens Rate Hike Outlook 
South Korea Remains MSCI Emerging Market Despite Reform Progress 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
Malaysia Central Bank Moves to Support Ringgit Amid Foreign Fund Outflows 
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
U.S. stock futures edged higher বৃহস্পতিবার evening following record-breaking performances from the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, as investors weighed strong corporate earnings against ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.2% to 7,258.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.1% to reach 27,626.75. Dow Jones futures also rose 0.2% to 49,917.0, reflecting continued market resilience.
Wall Street closed Thursday on a strong note, with the S&P 500 advancing 1% to surpass the 7,200 level for the first time. The Nasdaq Composite added approximately 0.9%, also achieving a new all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed, jumping 1.6% as investor confidence strengthened.
The rally was largely driven by upbeat corporate earnings, which reinforced optimism about business performance and economic stability. Positive results from major companies helped ease concerns over inflation and geopolitical risks. In after-hours trading, Apple shares surged 4% after reporting strong quarterly earnings, highlighting robust iPhone demand and continued growth in its high-margin services segment. The tech giant posted record revenue and earnings per share, with iPhone sales increasing more than 20% for the second consecutive quarter.
Reddit also saw significant gains, with its stock jumping nearly 13% after delivering better-than-expected first-quarter results, including higher daily active user numbers. Investors are now closely watching upcoming earnings reports from major firms such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and AutoNation, which are scheduled before Friday’s market open.
Despite the positive momentum, market sentiment remains cautious due to escalating geopolitical tensions. Reports indicate that the U.S. is considering additional military actions against Iran, raising fears of further conflict. Iran has warned of severe retaliation if attacked, adding uncertainty to global markets.
Oil prices remain volatile, with Brent crude previously surging above $126 per barrel before pulling back to around $114. The ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global oil supply expectations, keeping investors alert to potential market shifts.
