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Last updated: July 13, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Higher, Impacting Asian Currencies

Escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Brent crude surpassing $80 a barrel amid threats of a 20% fee on shipping through the. The renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran and clouded the outlook for industrial commodities. The Singapore dollar but faced potential downward pressure from the rising Middle East tensions. Similarly, the Philippine peso as higher oil prices squeezed the currency. Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz following attacks and U.S. strikes, with President Trump vowing to reinstate a blockade of Iranian ports. Iran managed to export approximately 57 million barrels of crude oil during a brief gap between U.S. naval blockades, highlighting the market's sensitivity to these disruptions.

Asian Markets Face Headwinds Amidst AI Stock Selloff and Geopolitical Risks

Asian stock markets were poised to as a sharp selloff in chip stocks rattled investor confidence in the artificial intelligence trade . Shares of South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix Inc. fell in Seoul following a rout on Wall Street, reflecting increased investor caution after this year's rally in chipmaker stocks. Leveraged bets on these semiconductor companies have backfired, leading to tumbling values and significant losses for retail investors in South Korea. Chinese airline shares are lagging Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. by nearly 50% this year, with analysts anticipating persistent weak profits due to lackluster domestic travel demand. Investors are also cutting back on bets on Asia's.

U.S. Markets Navigate Inflation Fears and Corporate Earnings Season

U.S. stocks fell broadly as increased geopolitical tensions and a selloff in chip stocks spooked investors. Bond traders for a July interest-rate hike ahead of inflation data and a key Federal Reserve appearance. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller indicated that policymakers may need to raise rates if. Corporate America faces a high bar to beat investor expectations during the current earnings season, with estimates running against sticky inflation and rising odds of interest rate hikes. Morgan Stanley strategists, however, see profit boosts for stocks beyond technology, suggesting a.

India's Equity Market Attracts Global Capital Amidst Economic Developments

Foreign investors into Indian equities last week, with Goldman Sachs predicting further inflows. This surge is attributed to a stable currency and improved earnings expectations, prompting large-cap Indian stocks to eye a comeback. Jefferies noted that large-cap stocks are beginning to appear more reasonably valued. India's youngest airline, Akasa Air, is seeking to raise approximately 10.5 billion rupees ($110 through equity and debt to navigate challenges exacerbated by rising costs due to regional conflicts. India has also urged state-owned banks to intensify efforts to secure foreign currency deposits from its diaspora to.

Energy and Commodity Markets React to Geopolitical Shifts and Policy Changes

U.S. natural gas futures extended losses for a fourth consecutive session, weighed down by surplus storage and reduced LNG demand. Shell is selling its Indian wind and solar business for $1.8 billion as the energy major refocuses on oil and gas. Canadian oil sands firms have reached an agreement with the Alberta and federal governments on steps toward building a carbon capture and storage system. Russia's crude output has declined to its lowest in at least two and a half years, attributed to daily Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure.

Global Economic Concerns and Corporate Dealmaking

Europe risks an "explosive" path if it does not address its debts, according to the International Monetary Fund. Chicago's pension system faces significant trouble in the event of a stock market downturn, with the Illinois comptroller warning of "pension pneumonia". First Hawaiian Bank's parent company has agreed to acquire Tri Co Bancshares in an all-stock transaction valued at $2.01 billion. Data-center builders are actively looking to offload stakes worth billions amidst unrelenting demand. Goldman Sachs is pitching investors on loans to their own private funds, a practice that provides crucial financing for private markets.

Regulatory and Legal Developments Shape Industries

The U.S. Health Department rescinded a freeze on $10 billion in funding for five Democratic states after facing legal setbacks. A federal appeals court has revived lawsuits linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD, overturning a district. Democratic state attorneys general are reportedly preparing to file a lawsuit to halt Paramount's $111 billion merger with Warner Bros., potentially delaying the deal. Deutsche Bank and UniCredit are suing Linde over losses related to Russian sanctions in a test case that could determine if lenders can recover seized funds.

Tech and AI Sector Faces Scrutiny and Shifting Investment

Companies are increasingly turning to Chinese AI models to cut costs and reduce reliance on U.S. technology. Nearly 200 economists and tech leaders have, calling for policymakers to better understand and respond to potential disruptions. The financing for the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure is expected to become trickier. Royal Bank of Canada is expanding its credit derivatives trading business, anticipating that multibillion-dollar fundraising for AI will drive demand for hedging products.

Political and Social Issues Influence Market Sentiment

The death of Senator Lindsey Graham has complicated the Republican agenda. His sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was appointed to finish his Senate term. Democratic Senate candidates in Maine have denounced a fatal ICE shooting, seeking to tie Senator Susan Collins to President Trump’s immigration policies. The Trump administration's actions, including shrinking national monuments in Utah, have drawn significant attention and opposition.

Other Notable Market Movements and Trends

Gold declined amid a broad rise in yields and concerns over monetary policy, with prices dipping from record highs after renewed U.S.-Iran attacks. India's trade deficit widened in June, with uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran conflict clouding the outlook for. Zurich and Geneva top a survey of the highest disposable incomes globally, despite being among the most expensive cities.