European stock indices fell on Friday, except for the UK's FTSE 100 - NEWS.am

• Panelists on 'The Big Money Show' analyzed current market movements and key economic indicators. • The discussion highlighted President Donald Trump's expressed desire for the government to implement lower interest rates.

• Brent crude oil prices eased slightly after crossing the $90 mark following a series of exchange strikes between the U.S. and Iran. • Market attention shifts to a series of high-profile technology sector earnings reports and upcoming U.S. economic data to gauge inflation impacts from the conflict.

• Foreign investors have sold a record 160 trillion won (approximately $108.1 billion) of South Korean stocks year-to-date, marking the heaviest sell-off on record. • Despite this trend, analysts forecast a Kospi rebound for late July, though several risks persist, including a stronger U.S. dollar and weakening AI and semiconductor investment sentiment.

• The KOSPI index rebounded by over 2%, marking its first gain in three days as investors engaged in bargain hunting following a sharp short-term decline. • This recovery occurred despite overnight losses in the New York stock market, which were triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.

• Market weakness is currently impacting the Nasdaq and Asian technology sectors, placing leveraged retail and momentum strategies at high risk of liquidation. • Analysts identify memory stocks as the most vulnerable due to extreme gains, while quality AI infrastructure at reset multiples is viewed as a primary opportunity.

• South Korea's KOSPI index plummeted nearly 5% on Monday, sliding into a technical bear market. • The decline was driven by a sell-off in AI and semiconductor stocks, compounded by escalating tensions between the US and Iran that have impacted global oil prices.

• The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) chairman has vowed to maintain a "stable market" following a rebound in A-shares driven by concerted buying. • This commitment follows a strategic meeting between the CSRC and investor representatives aimed at boosting confidence in the domestic stock market.

• The S&P 500 rose during early trading on Monday, rebounding after experiencing its first losing week in the last three. • Market stability is being driven by a recovery in chip companies and other stocks that have benefited from the artificial intelligence boom.

• Yelp (YELP) and Opera Limited (OPRA) are diversifying into social media, connected TV, and search to drive revenue growth amid ongoing economic and regulatory pressures. • TE Connectivity (TEL) is set to report its Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings on July 22, with analysts forecasting a 17% year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS to $2.83.

• Brent crude oil prices surged above $90 per barrel following escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and renewed shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. • The Canadian dollar remains firm following the Bank of Canada's decision to maintain its policy rate at 2.25% for the sixth consecutive meeting.

• South Korea's stock market has shifted from a stable economic bellwether to a volatile hub of AI-driven speculation, impacting portfolios from Tokyo to New York. • Extreme instability is evident on the benchmark KOSPI, where more than half of all historical circuit breakers—triggered by an 8% drop within one minute—have occurred in the last six months.

• On July 20, the KOSPI closed down 4% in the 6500 range, while the KOSDAQ plunged 5%, triggering sell-side sidecar measures on both markets. • Market sentiment in the semiconductor sector was severely weakened by Kioxia's U.S. patent lawsuit defeat, which resulted in compensation orders exceeding 300 billion won.