
Oil Prices Head for 20% Monthly Surge as Middle East Supply Risks Persist
Jul 31, 2026 12:52 pm UTC| Economy
Oil prices climbed on Friday and remained on track for a monthly gain of more than 20%, supported by ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions, tighter fuel supplies, and a sharp decline in U.S. crude inventories. Brent...

US Stock Futures Rise as AI Optimism Lifts Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon While Apple Slips
Jul 31, 2026 12:50 pm UTC| Economy
U.S. stock index futures climbed on Friday, extending Wall Streets technology-led rebound as renewed confidence in artificial intelligence investments boosted investor sentiment despite lingering concerns over spending and...

Japan Earthquake Disrupts Auto and Chip Supply Chains
Jul 31, 2026 04:53 am UTC| Economy Business
Japans powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto this week has disrupted manufacturing operations across one of the countrys most important industrial regions, raising concerns over supply chain stability for...

China PMI Contracts in July as Weak Demand and Typhoons Weigh on Economy
Jul 31, 2026 04:49 am UTC| Economy
Chinas factory activity unexpectedly returned to contraction in July, while the countrys services sector also weakened, highlighting growing pressure on the worlds second-largest economy as soft domestic demand and...

BOJ Holds Rates at 1% as Inflation Outlook Eases, October Rate Hike Still Possible
Jul 31, 2026 04:39 am UTC| Economy Central Banks
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.0% on Friday, opting to assess the economic impact of its June rate hike while maintaining a cautious stance amid Middle East tensions and continued...

Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism Lifts Markets; Yen Holds Gains Ahead of BOJ Decision
Jul 31, 2026 03:13 am UTC| Economy
Asian stock markets surged on Friday, tracking a strong rebound on Wall Street as renewed confidence in artificial intelligence (AI) spending sparked a broad recovery in technology shares. South Koreas Kospi led the gains...

Gold Price Today: Gold Set for First Monthly Gain Since February Despite Friday Dip
Jul 31, 2026 03:11 am UTC| Economy
Gold prices edged lower during Asian trading on Friday, but the precious metal remained on track to post its first monthly gain since February as investors balanced easing inflation concerns against uncertainty surrounding...