Markets signal investors are back in buying mode again after Kospi's record surge while Trump gives peace a chance with latest Iran reversal

• The US stock market is currently struggling to regain its footing as investors await a critical upcoming jobs report and a week of major corporate earnings. • Despite recent volatility, the S&P 500 remains up over 9% in 2026, supported by strong overall corporate profit growth.

• Markets enter a pivotal week focused on upcoming jobs data and commentary from Federal Reserve speakers to gauge economic sentiment. • Key earnings reports from high-profile companies including AMD, Palantir, SpaceX, Eli Lilly, Shopify, and Caterpillar will provide critical insights into AI investment and consumer spending.

• Investors are focusing on a high-impact week starting August 3, highlighted by the release of US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) and China's CPI data. • Market attention is also centered on SpaceX earnings and the aftermath of divergent financial results from tech giants Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.

• The U.S. Commerce Department reported an unexpected slowdown in economic growth for the second quarter, with an advance estimate of a 1.5% annual growth rate. • Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) appeared on "Mornings with Maria" to discuss Dr. Anthony Fauci's testimony and key legislative priorities ahead of the August recess.

• Wall Street is preparing for a critical week of economic data, with the July jobs report serving as the primary focus for investors. • The report is essential for assessing the outlook for US interest rates after the Federal Reserve kept benchmark rates unchanged at its most recent policy meeting.

• India approved only one Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposal worth ₹1 crore and 13 proposals from Hong Kong totaling ₹610.42 crore during the last financial year. • These investments require prior government clearance under Press Note 3 of the DPIIT, a regulation implemented in April 2020 for countries sharing a land border with India.

• India approved only one Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposal from China worth Rs 1 crore during the last financial year. • In contrast, the government cleared 13 FDI applications from Hong Kong totaling Rs 610.42 crore.

• South Korea's stock market experienced extreme volatility throughout July, leading to significant losses for retail investors. • Industry officials are calling for tighter scrutiny of overly bullish brokerage research and stricter regulations on margin-lending rules.

• Indonesia's initial public offering (IPO) market is experiencing a slowdown as the government implements a market overhaul to restore investor confidence. • The decline is driven by tougher listing requirements and quality reforms that are deterring potential companies from going public.

• India approved only one foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal from China during the 2025-26 fiscal year, valued at just Rs 1 crore. • In contrast, 13 proposals from Hong Kong were approved, totaling a significantly higher investment of Rs 610.42 crore.

• India approved only one Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal worth Rs 1 crore and 13 applications from Hong Kong totaling Rs 610.42 crore during the last financial year. • These approvals are subject to strict government scrutiny under Press Note 3 of the DPIIT, which requires prior clearance for investments from countries sharing a land border with India.

• Global economic indicators show a mixed landscape, with negative PMIs reported in China, positive data from Korea, and rising growth in Canada. • US economic data has cooled, but bond markets are signaling concern as the US 10-year Treasury yield reaches 4.75%.