Asian Stocks Mixed as RBA Holds Rates, Oil Risks Rise 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Lifts South Korea, Japan 
KOSPI Rebounds 20% as Samsung, SK Hynix Lead South Korea Stock Rally 
Dollar Steady as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Talks Stall, Inflation Risks Grow 
Oil Prices Fall as U.S. Crude Inventories Surge and Hormuz Tensions Persist 
US Dollar Slips as Softer PPI Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Canada-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of Aug. 19 Tariff Deadline 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Slip From Two-Month High as Inflation and Fed Outlook Drive Markets 
Iran War Escalates as US, Houthis Target Ships Near Key Oil Routes 
Canada, US Hold Fresh Trade Talks as August 19 Tariff Deadline Nears 
Oil Prices Slide as OPEC, IEA Cut 2026 Demand Forecasts 
Asian Currencies Steady Ahead of US CPI as Oil Prices Rise 
Australia Sets New Minimum Pay, Insurance Rules for Gig Workers 
Trump Weighs Capital Gains Tax Cuts Ahead of Midterms 
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Wall Street closed at a record high Thursday as softer U.S. producer inflation data reduced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike, boosting technology stocks and pushing Treasury yields lower.
The S&P 500 gained 0.7% to finish at 7,799.57 after briefly surpassing 7,800 and reaching an intraday record of 7,816.79. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.8% to 26,803.03, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.1% higher to 53,840.14.
Investor sentiment improved after July’s producer price index (PPI) came in weaker than expected. Headline PPI was unchanged month over month and rose 4.7% annually, down from June’s 5.5% increase. Core PPI advanced 0.2% monthly and 4.2% year over year.
Combined with moderating consumer inflation data, the report strengthened expectations that the Fed could leave interest rates unchanged in September. CME FedWatch data showed the probability of a September rate hike falling to roughly 34%, while the chance of rates remaining steady increased to nearly 66%.
Treasury yields declined following the inflation report, with the 10-year yield dropping 5.6 basis points to 4.636% and the two-year yield falling 5.4 basis points to 4.145%. Rate-sensitive technology shares benefited, helping the S&P 500 technology sector gain 1%.
Cisco Systems was a notable exception, tumbling more than 8% despite reporting strong quarterly results and robust demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The decline limited gains in the Dow after Cisco shares had surged more than 60% this year ahead of earnings.
Oil prices also retreated after six consecutive sessions of gains. Brent crude fell 2.3% to $86.96 per barrel as traders assessed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz alongside weaker global oil demand forecasts.
The U.S. and Iran remain divided over control and commercial access through the strategic waterway, while disruptions linked to Houthi attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait continue to fuel supply concerns. Meanwhile, reduced demand projections from the International Energy Agency and OPEC added downward pressure on crude prices.
