Asean's new financial geography: Connectivity takes centre stage - The Business Times

• European stocks declined in early trade, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index slipping 0.3% to 639.29. • This downturn follows the index's biggest weekly decline since late April, driven by dampened investor sentiment due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

• European markets remained volatile on July 13, 2026, with oil prices holding higher as investors focused on escalating tensions between the US and Iran. • Chip stocks surged by 10% while gold prices plunged, a shift driven by a strengthening US dollar that some traders suggest signals a potential regime change.

• European stock markets declined as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran sparked investor anxiety. • The conflict has raised significant concerns regarding oil supply stability, specifically focusing on potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

• European stock markets remained subdued following an escalation of tensions in the Middle East. • The geopolitical flare-up has triggered an uptick in oil prices, contributing to market volatility and investor caution.

• Deutsche Bank's stock remains steady as investors evaluate the lender's capital strength, profitability, and exposure to international markets. • The bank is currently undergoing a strategic transformation aimed at simplifying its business structure and improving capital ratios to enhance overall stability.

• Wall Street banks are increasing their deployment of AI-powered digital assistants to enhance operational productivity and efficiency. • According to Richard James, head of AI product at UBS, these tools aggregate internal data from emails, accounts, and meetings to support decision-making.

• Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller stated that another high inflation reading would serve as a "signal" regarding the central bank's future policy direction. • Waller highlighted that the U.S. labor market remains resilient, citing persistently strong job reports and a stable unemployment rate.

• Asian stock markets extended their losses, with Singapore's Straits Times Index dropping 1% and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipping 0.5%. • The decline is driven by a surge in oil prices, which has intensified investor concerns regarding global inflation.

• Singapore's economy grew by 5.7% in the second quarter, surpassing the 5.5% growth forecast by analysts. • While the expansion beat expectations, it represents a slowdown compared to the revised 6.3% growth recorded in the first quarter.

• Foreign investors continued to be net sellers of South Korean equities in June, marking the fifth consecutive month of outflows. • This trend persisted despite a significant tech-led rally within the local stock market during the same period.

• The KOSPI index plummeted nearly 9 percent on Monday, falling below the 7,000 mark in a severe "Black Monday" sell-off. • The decline was driven by a rout in semiconductor shares, which overshadowed the U.S. debut of SK hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).