Meta title: EUR/USD Forecast: ECB decision and war headlines to set the tone

• The Euro zone's current account surplus increased to €25.1 billion in May, according to the latest data released by the European Central Bank (ECB). • This growth was primarily driven by an increase in primary income, which offset a simultaneous decline in the region's trade surplus.

• The US-Iran conflict has entered its sixth consecutive day of escalating hostilities, with both nations intensifying their military strikes. • Iran has targeted critical infrastructure in Kuwait, specifically attacking power generation and water desalination plants, while maintaining a strategic grip on the Strait of Hormuz.

• Major U.S. indices declined, with the Nasdaq falling 1.68%, the S&P 500 dropping 0.81%, and the Dow Jones slipping 0.09% as semiconductor and tech stocks tumbled. • Market volatility was driven by a poor earnings forecast from Netflix and rising geopolitical tensions following a speech by Donald Trump regarding Iran.

• On July 17, 2026, DA Davidson raised its stock price target for Citizens Financial. • The upgrade follows an improved outlook regarding the bank's earnings growth and overall financial performance.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) is scheduled to meet on July 23, 2024, to determine its next interest rate decision. • Market analysts and traders polled by Reuters anticipate that the ECB will maintain current rates during the July meeting.

• The Indian stock market experienced a significant rally, with the BSE Sensex surging by more than 900 points. • Simultaneously, the Nifty50 index climbed to trade above the 24,300 level, reflecting strong bullish momentum.

• Stock futures are indicating a sharp decline for Friday's market open, driven largely by a continued sell-off in semiconductor stocks. • Oil prices have increased following U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure and supply routes.

• South Korea is experiencing a stock market frenzy driven by AI speculation, leading to sharp price swings and increased volatility. • Market movements are being fueled by leveraged investment products rather than corporate fundamentals, unsettling both regulators and investors.

• Global stock markets declined on Thursday, led by a slump in AI-related stocks and computer chipmakers, causing the S&P 500 to fall 0.5%. • International markets saw significant drops, with Tokyo falling 2.8% and Shanghai sliding 1.8%, though Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.3% following China's approval of Apple Intelligence.

• Asian stock markets experienced a sharp sell-off on Friday, mirroring a decline in U.S. equity markets. • Japan's Nikkei index plunged over 4%, driven largely by losses in sophisticated chip and technology stocks.

• Asian equity markets opened sharply lower on Friday, led by a significant crash in semiconductor stocks. • South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index plummeted by more than 6%, reflecting a renewed sell-off in the tech sector.