Wall Street futures rise as U.S.-Iran pause eases oil price pressure

• Indian benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, traded largely flat or slightly lower on July 28, with the Sensex down 49.60 points (0.06%) to 76,786.18 by 1:31 p.m. • The range-bound movement follows a previous session's rebound sparked by a significant drop in crude oil prices.

• The Australian share market (ASX) overcame early losses to close at a 20-day high, defying a broader regional trend. • This recovery occurred despite a significant sell-off of AI and technology stocks across Asian markets and a sharp plunge in global oil prices.

• European shares remained subdued on Tuesday as a global selloff in technology stocks was offset by gains in luxury and consumer sectors. • Market stability was further supported by a decline in oil prices, balancing the volatility seen in the tech industry.

• Central banks shifted from accommodative to restrictive policies over the last six months to combat inflation and ensure price stability. • The Bank of England maintained its policy rate at 3.75% in June 2026, following a 0.1% economic contraction in April and steady inflation of 2.8%.

• South Korea's stock markets experienced a severe rout, with the Kospi index declining by more than 10% in a single day. • Major semiconductor companies Samsung and SK Hynix both saw double-digit losses, contributing to a broader 30% market drop over the last six weeks.

• Asian stock markets experienced a broad decline, highlighted by South Korea's Kospi index plunging nearly 11% due to heavy selling of chipmaking stocks. • Other major indices fell, including Tokyo’s Nikkei 225, which dropped 4% to 62,364.92, and Taiwan's Taiex, which skidded 4.7% as TSMC shares fell 3%.

• Asian stock markets experienced a severe plunge, led by South Korea's Kospi, which collapsed by 10 per cent. • The rout was driven by a global sell-off in tech stocks and reports of a breakthrough in China's chip industry.

• The Nifty IT index surged nearly 4% as tech stocks led a market rally, though Dalal Street is expected to open cautiously following a rebound on Monday. • Market sentiment is currently balanced between positive factors, such as lower crude oil prices and paused Middle East tensions, and uncertainty regarding the upcoming US Federal Reserve interest rate decision.

• South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index crashed 11.01%, plunging 743.63 points to close at 6,012.12. • The selloff extended across Asia, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Taiwan's Taiex both declining by more than 4%.

• Today's primary events include the release of the US Consumer Confidence report and a scheduled meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. • Market price action is currently being driven by hedging and deleveraging activities rather than new developments in the Middle East.

• Global markets are bracing for volatility as Asia stocks, including the Nikkei and KOSPI, tumble following a rout in AI-related shares. • Investors are closely monitoring upcoming earnings reports from Big Tech companies and a critical decision from the Federal Reserve.