Expert view: Selective bets & strong fundamentals amid global chaos, says Vinod Nair

• The European Union's top financial services official has indicated that the EU is unlikely to completely abolish a contentious bank capital rule currently under review. • Instead of a full repeal, the official suggested implementing temporary adjustments to the regulations to better support the immediate needs of the European economy.

• Gift Nifty is positioned at 24,300, signaling a flat opening for Indian stock markets on July 20, 2026. • Market volatility this week is expected to be driven by quarterly earnings from major corporations, including IT giant Infosys.

• Asian stock markets remained hesitant as rising oil prices, driven by escalating conflict in the Gulf, sparked renewed concerns over global inflation. • The surge in energy costs is influencing expectations regarding the Federal Reserve's timeline for potential interest rate hikes.

• Asian stock markets experienced instability as Brent crude oil prices climbed to $90 per barrel amid intensifying conflict between the US and Iran. • In a major industrial win, Foxconn has reportedly secured an AI server order from SpaceX estimated to be worth $52 billion.

• India has demonstrated significant improvements in fiscal discipline, characterized by a narrowing government deficit and economic growth that exceeds most major global economies. • The nation's debt structure remains predominantly domestic, which effectively reduces risks associated with external financing.

• By 2025, ASEAN's combined GDP reached approximately $4.25 trillion, surpassing Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. • The region is experiencing rapid growth at a rate of 4.3 percent, significantly outperforming the global economic growth average of 3.2 percent.

• A global graduates survey by the CFA Institute reveals a shifting talent landscape across the Asia Pacific region, specifically regarding postgraduate education. • In Hong Kong, the percentage of graduates planning to pursue postgraduate qualifications dropped from 36% last year to 24%.

• On July 19, 2026, market updates highlighted strong performance and growth projections for B2Gold and AtaiBeckley. • B2Gold (TSX:BTO), valued at CA$6.8 billion, is projected to achieve annual earnings growth of approximately 30%, driven by its Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto mines.

• Investors are focusing on upcoming earnings reports from Alphabet and Intel to gauge the current health and trajectory of the AI trade. • Market attention is shifting toward U.S. corporate earnings as the broader financial landscape reacts to macroeconomic data and inflation trends.

• Investors are monitoring six key drivers in the stock market this week, with a primary focus on corporate earnings and geopolitical dynamics due to a lack of major economic data. • GE Vernova is a central point of interest, with analysts expecting earnings per share of $4.77 on revenue of $15.77 billion.

• Evercore downgraded Sun Life Financial Inc. on Monday due to concerns over weak economic activity and client churn affecting payment volumes. • Analysts noted that high credit costs are slowing the issuance of new loans, while BofA's 2026 EPS estimates fall significantly short of management's guidance.

• Bank of America (BofA) has released its "Street Calls of the Week," featuring analysis on the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a list of the strongest luxury brands for 2026. • The report highlights a specific bank facing challenges with weak economic activity, client churn, and expensive credit, which are limiting payment volumes and new loan growth.