Global Finance Weekly Roundup: Markets, AI & Investment Banking Course

• Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po reported that bilateral trade between Hong Kong and the Middle East surged by 35% during the first five months of 2026. • This growth is attributed to the deepening of strategic ties across several key sectors, including finance, trade, innovation and technology (I&T), and culture.

• Market analysts are highlighting CDSL, Great Eastern Shipping Company, and Olectra Greentech as key stocks expected to see significant price action this week. • The focus on these specific companies suggests potential volatility or growth opportunities driven by upcoming corporate developments or sector-specific trends.

• The Indonesian stock market (IDX) is currently experiencing heightened volatility and persistent downward pressure. • This decline is primarily driven by prolonged foreign capital outflows resulting from global economic uncertainties and potential downgrades from global index providers.

• Padival has joined a new leadership role, transitioning from Bank of America where he spent over seven years. • In his previous position, Padival led the Consumer Internet Investment Banking practice and brings nearly 20 years of experience in finance, M&A, and corporate strategy.

• Investors are focusing on TSMC's upcoming earnings report to gauge the current global demand for AI chips. • Wall Street banks are scheduled to report their financial results this week, with analysts expecting strong corporate profit figures.

• Ten financial experts provided forecasts for the second half of 2026, focusing on inflation, housing, and stock market trends. • Consumer sentiment is mixed, with 22% of respondents reporting improved ability to cover expenses, while 33% saw a deterioration.

• Market experts are analyzing whether the Nifty will cross the 24,300 mark on Monday, July 13, amid supportive domestic fundamentals. • Immediate resistance is identified in the 24,400-24,600 zone, with a potential breakout potentially leading the index toward the 25,000 level.

• Investors are monitoring the Global X Bloomberg Commodity Complex ETF (ASX:BCOM) as a tool for gaining exposure to a diverse range of commodity markets. • Performance is primarily driven by central bank policies, global economic growth, and geopolitical events that shift supply and demand dynamics.

• Next week's economic outlook focuses on the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading, which is expected to cool due to a decline in energy prices. • Retail sales are also projected to soften, a trend driven in part by lower gasoline costs.

• Major stock indexes advanced on Thursday, driven primarily by gains in chip stocks. • The market rise occurred as investors monitored ongoing military tensions and attacks between the U.S. and Iran.

• Stock futures rose and oil prices declined as global markets largely ignored the latest round of airstrikes in the Middle East. • Investors appear to have accepted the current geopolitical instability as a "new status quo," treating the ongoing conflict as an uneasy equilibrium.