Official currency of the United States and a global benchmark
Stocks waver as Walmart’s earnings miss dulls confidence; higher oil prices and rising yields weigh on sentiment. Treasuries signal caution as investors assess consumer resilience amid inflationary pressure.
Indonesia’s economy has come under pressure from a global energy shock and policy shifts. The rupiah has weakened to a record low near 18,000 per dollar, fueling concerns about growth, investor confidence and currency stability as central bank actions lag the energy-driven outflows.
The articles report that a memorandum of understanding with Iran has been agreed, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing some sanctions while signaling a staged path to a broader agreement. Markets respond with oil falls and risk-on sentiment; analysts warn about details still to be resolved and the political resonance ahead of elections.
The Bank of Japan has raised its policy rate to 1% from 0.75% in line with expectations, as the yen remains near multi-decade lows amid pressure from the Iran war and higher oil prices. Officials warn of ongoing volatility and potential further action to stabilize markets and inflation.
Global markets hold steady as US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signals a cautious pause, with oil prices stabilising after recent falls. UK inflation data supports expectations of a hold on rates, while energy assets rally on easing supply concerns.
Alan Greenspan has died at age 100 from complications of Parkinson's disease, his wife Andrea Mitchell has said. Greenspan has led the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, presiding over long US growth and market rallies while later facing criticism for policies linked to the 2007–09 financial crisis.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Barclays is exploring a return to Japan’s cash equities market, hiring in Tokyo amid a rebound in Japanese stocks driven by governance reforms, rising profitability, and AI-driven market optimism. Barclays previously pulled back in 2016 but is now considering expanding its Japan presence, potentially pitting it against Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Nomura and Daiwa.
Gold and silver have paused their retreat as hawkish central-bank signals and inflation fears weigh on the metals. Oil prices stay subdued, and markets eye key U.S. data on jobs and inflation to gauge the path of monetary policy. Yields on U.S. Treasuries have moved little on the final trading day of June. This update covers developments through July 1, 2026.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Americans are skeptical about lasting peace with Iran even as a deal opens shipping lanes. Trump’s popularity on Iran-related issues has slipped, and gas prices remain elevated. The Reuters/Ipsos poll covers 1,262 U.S. adults and highlights bipartisan concerns ahead of midterms.
The Fed has maintained policy amid inflation that remains above the 2% goal. Markets are watching for Warsh's approach, with two potential paths emerging as data guides policy. Public appearances and congressional testimony will shape expectations for rate moves this year.
The yen has weakened to multi-decade lows as US rates remain higher than Japan's. Intervention is being considered, but the long-running carry trade and energy costs keep downward pressure on the currency. Markets are watching potential official action and the broader implications for Japan's economy and global markets.
The Scotland 500 shows private equity now owns nearly 60% of listed Scottish firms, underscoring international investor interest in Scotland’s traditional sectors evolving into high-growth businesses. Origo and Vespa Capital are highlighted as unicorn ambitions, while BR-DGE expands beyond gaming to enterprise payments.
Anthropic is launching an internal drug-discovery program to develop AI tools for life sciences, focusing on neglected diseases. The effort aims to create drug-discovery capabilities in-house and partner with industry, while navigating the costly regulatory path and uncertain clinical development timelines.
U.S. Treasury yields have fluctuated amid hawkish signals from Fed Chair Warsh and ongoing data momentum. Investors await key jobs data and FOMC minutes to gauge policy direction.
Gold has fallen from its 2025 peak as higher real yields and a firmer dollar weigh on prices, with analysts noting divergent drivers behind safe-haven demand and new forecasts suggesting limited upside this year.
A Los Angeles jury has found Chris Brown liable for negligence in a lawsuit brought by Maria Avila, a housekeeper attacked by Brown’s guard dog Hades. Avila is awarded $12.9 million, with her sister and husband also receiving damages; Brown argued the dog was needed for security and that he alerted staff about the animals.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
The United States has launched a wave of strikes on Iran after attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliates by targeting US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Oil prices have risen amid renewed fighting, and talks toward a ceasefire appear fragile as both sides accuse the other of violations.
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has arrived in Miami after a five-year prison sentence in Cuba. The exile follows a U.S. parole grant and mounting diplomatic pressure. He is the cofounder of the San Isidro Movement, whose members have faced persistent repression in Cuba.
The government has not charged Febrie Adriansyah. Authorities are carrying out raids across Jakarta, South Tangerang, and Bogor in connection with a corruption and bribery case tied to power blackouts and fraud at Asabri and Jiwasraya. The case involves state officials and mining firms amid high-profile investigations.
Treasury Secretary has unveiled a commemorative $1 coin bearing President Trump’s likeness for America’s 250th anniversary. The coin features a gold finish and a forward-facing Trump, prompting questions about living-person portraits on currency. Legal review and congressional oversight are centered on whether the design complies with federal law and existing coinage rules. The coin will be minted in Philadelphia this fall.
A wave of new surveys shows Americans face higher retirement costs and uncertainty about Social Security solvency. People are saving less than they think they’ll need, inflation and healthcare costs are rising, and many expect to work longer or rely on savings strategies to bridge the gap.
A heavy, rain-triggered landslide in Pengshui County near Chongqing has buried more than 10 buildings. Over 1,100 residents have been relocated. Ten people have been rescued, eight died, and authorities say rescuers are mapping stable access paths as they work with water and debris. Relief funds have been allocated as rescue operations continue.
The central bank has kept the policy rate steady, citing price stability and a steady growth outlook amid global risks. Domestic growth remains solid, while inflation remains within the target band despite recent upticks.
Kenya’s Deputy President has reiterated that intergovernmental coordination remains under his chair, amid ongoing speculation that his role may shift. Analysts say constitutional safeguards keep IBEC under the Deputy President, while some officials describe online claims as fake news.
The International Organization for Migration says scam centres employing up to 300,000 workers across Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos lure victims through fake job ads, seize documents, and force participation in online scams. Victims come from over 80 countries and include graduates with strong English. IOM has assisted thousands and is calling for cross‑border action and awareness.
Amazon's AWS has posted a 37% revenue gain for the June quarter, outpacing expectations and contributing to a broader revenue beat for the company. Net income rose sharply, while overall sales reached about $200.6 billion as AWS drives profitability and future AI initiatives.
The latest U.S. inflation readings show persistence above the Fed’s 2% target while growth softens in Q2. Consumer spending remains resilient, but higher borrowing costs and energy prices complicate the outlook as policymakers weigh future moves.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
OPEC+ has decided to increase output by 188,000 barrels per day from September 2026, a move designed to stabilise markets and compensate for past overproduction. Nigeria remains under its DoC allocation and will not see changes to its targets as it seeks to raise crude output. The group will meet again on Sept. 6 to review conditions and consider further adjustments.
Top authorities have coordinated a yen intervention to stall a slide in the currency, a move that strengthens yen but leaves questions about long-term fiscal and monetary policy. The effort reflects growing geopolitical ties and a shared aim to curb disorderly moves that could threaten global markets.
Jetstar has introduced a size-based carry-on policy, charging for overhead locker space from February 2027. Each booking includes one small item; larger bags incur fees between AUD 25 and AUD 52 depending on route. The change aims to streamline boarding and reduce delays, with mixed reactions from travellers and analysts.
The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation have sued in federal court to block Truth Social’s Truth API, arguing the paid feed gives traders preferential access to the president’s market-moving posts and that selling prioritized access to official announcements violates the First and Fifth Amendments. Trump Media says the product is standard industry practice; the company has already signed institutional customers and reported large quarterly losses.
Global gold-backed ETFs have drawn $3 billion in July, ending two months of outflows as Western investment demand shows tentative signs of recovery. Europe led inflows, North America posted modest gains, and Asian funds boosted holdings, while prices rebound from earlier lows but remain below January highs.