Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Asian Markets Mixed Amid Geopolitical and Economic Crosscurrents

Asian equity markets exhibited a mixed performance, with Japan's Nikkei 225 rising 0.4%, buoyed by gains in electronics stocks that offset declines in financial shares. However, South Korea's Kospi benchmark extended its decline for a third consecutive session, even as Samsung Electronics reported a better-than-expected second-quarter net profit surge of 14-fold, driven by its semiconductor division. This strong earnings performance from Samsung in Korea, which has seen its stock market display clear dip-buying signals following a record 33% plunge in July, leaving the Kospi at its cheapest valuation ever. Global investors in South Korea despite the attractive valuations. India's Nifty 50 benchmark at its 200-day moving average, indicating a lack of sustained upward momentum. Meanwhile, China’s thermal coal prices are rebounding due to a heatwave increasing air-conditioner usage and power demand. China was also in focus as it revealed the launch of the YJ-20 missile from a smaller destroyer, a move that of its advanced hypersonic weapons. Hong Kong developer Parkview Group Ltd. missed interest on a $940 million loan backed by a Beijing asset, underscoring ongoing stress in the property sector.

US Dollar Faces Pressure, Bond Markets Watch Fed Signals

The US dollar from divergence in forward guidance between the Federal Reserve and other central banks, according to DBS Group Research. Gold prices gained modestly in early Asian trade following the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady, a move that provided a supportive backdrop for the precious metal. In domestic US politics, senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis forced a delay in the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general, citing concerns over his settlement with the IRS and a refusal to commit to certain actions in writing. This nomination delay coincided with reports of ongoing payouts to Trump allies, including a seven-figure settlement announced shortly before the crucial vote was postponed. The US has also been engaged in renewed strikes with Iran, a development that in an widened conflict, even days after the president appeared to reject plans for escalation.

Corporate Earnings and Strategic Moves Shape Global Markets

Banco Bradesco SA of up to 10 billion reais (approximately $2 to support its digital transformation efforts, with its major investors backing the move. Chinese companies are preparing for their largest wave of share buybacks since 2025, aiming to stem stock selloffs and bolster investor confidence. This strategic move to stabilize their valuations amid market downturns. In the entertainment industry, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is suing its new owner, Penske Media, over the takeover of the Golden Globes, alleging fraudulent acquisition. Investors are closely watching the Bank of Japan's upcoming interest rate meeting for signals regarding future policy decisions, as they to its inflation-fighting credibility. In a separate development, Qatar has resumed sending liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after a three-week hiatus following an attack on one of its tankers.