Business Brief: Five files to follow this week - The Globe and Mail

• European shares remained broadly flat on Monday as geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz kept oil prices elevated. • Technology stocks led the market with a 0.7% increase, driven by strong corporate earnings and hopes for lower U.S. borrowing costs, while media stocks fell by 0.7%.

• European stocks remained steady on Monday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 holding flat at 660.09 points near its record high close from last week. • The market stability follows a 1.7% climb last week, driven by strong corporate earnings and expectations of lower U.S. borrowing costs following soft jobs data.

• The Nifty 50 and Sensex ended marginally higher, closing at 24,583.80 (+0.05%) and 78,542.44 (+0.06%) respectively. • Market gains in Titan and Bajaj Finance were largely offset by losses in heavyweights State Bank of India (SBI) and Reliance Industries (RIL).

• European stock markets are experiencing a significant rally, attracting increased interest from money managers and investors. • Market metrics, including earnings, economic growth, sentiment surveys, and fund flows, indicate a broad and positive shift in the region's financial landscape.

• European equities are seeing a surge in global investor interest driven by strengthening corporate earnings and improving economic data. • The Stoxx Europe 600 Index recently completed its longest winning streak since June, gaining 11% so far in 2026.

• European stock markets remained flat as traders balanced potential oil-related risks against a heavy schedule of upcoming economic data. • Key reports expected later this week include Eurozone second-quarter GDP, employment change metrics, and July inflation readings from Germany, France, and Spain.

• Markets are focusing on critical inflation data this week, specifically the July CPI report on Wednesday at 8:30 am and Thursday's PPI report. • Investors are analyzing these price pressure trends to evaluate the policy trajectory of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.

• Investors are monitoring five key market drivers for the upcoming week, including Berkshire Hathaway's financial results and escalating tensions involving Iran. • Recent U.S. retail sales data indicates the domestic economy has remained resilient despite energy shocks caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran.

• Analysts maintain a broadly positive outlook for the global economy in the second half of 2026, despite noting a significant accumulation of risks. • Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to outperform consensus expectations, and India's outlook is improving, while caution remains for Indonesia and Thailand.

• Indian equities remain attractive for long-term investment, driven by a recovery in corporate earnings, increased private capital expenditure, and new trade deals. • The Nifty index valuations are currently aligned with their 10-year average, suggesting a stable entry point for investors.

• Asian markets remained cautious but generally positive despite hardline rhetoric from Iran, with the Nikkei leading gains at +2%. • Australia's ASX lagged as the financial sector dropped 2%, driven by a 4.3% fall in Westpac shares following a 20% plunge in mortgage loan applications.