IC Markets – Europe Fundamental Forecast | 24 July 2026 | IC Markets

• The Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) has surged, surpassing both previous levels and market forecasts. • This growth indicates significant strength and resilience within the service sector of the economy.

• S&P Global is scheduled to release the July flash Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) for the United States this Friday. • These surveys gather data from top private-sector executives to provide an early indicator of the nation's overall economic health.

• IBM stock shares rose by 3.7% today following a period of volatility. • The price increase is attributed to a market rebound after the company released its second-quarter update.

• Wall Street ended a volatile trading week on Friday with mixed results, as the Dow Jones and S&P 500 posted modest gains while the Nasdaq slipped. • The market volatility follows June payroll growth figures that came in below expectations, though the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%.

• IBM reported its Q2 2026 earnings, characterized by modest revenue growth and a sharp decline in stock price despite non-GAAP earnings per share edging higher. • The company's software segment emerged as a positive highlight, while the infrastructure division faced headwinds and consulting revenue remained flat.

• Seoul stocks ended a three-day winning streak on Friday, with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index plummeting nearly 6 per cent. • The sharp decline was triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which significantly reduced investor risk appetite.

• South Korea's five largest financial groups achieved a record combined net income of 13.12 trillion won ($8.97 billion) during the first half of the year. • Shinhan Financial Group contributed to this growth with a 13.3 percent profit increase, driven by a 19.7 percent rise in noninterest income.

• The KOSPI plunged 5.72% to 6690.62 on the 24th, while the KOSDAQ dropped 5.32% to 748.22, triggering a sidecar for the 23rd time since May 27. • Market volatility was driven by foreign investors selling 3.3 trillion won amid growing concerns over oil prices and interest rates.

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is launching a YouTube channel and QR code system on November 3, 2025, to increase transparency in highway projects. • Global tensions are rising as Thailand implemented a coastal curfew on December 14, 2025, due to escalating border disputes with Cambodia.

• Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF), a prominent title insurer, has drawn investor attention after scheduling its upcoming quarterly earnings release and webcast. • The announcement focuses on the timing of the financial reporting, which typically provides critical insights into the company's performance and the health of the real estate market.

• On June 17, 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council adopted Opinion CON/2026/19 following a request from the Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance. • The opinion provides guidance on critical banking regulations, including supervisory independence, the prevention of conflicts of interest, and the management of ESG risks.