Week Ahead: 3 August 2026

• The KOSPI index recorded its largest single-day percentage gain in history on Friday, surpassing a previous record set during the 2008 financial crisis. • The rally was driven by surges in Samsung and SK Hynix, fueled by strong AI-driven optimism and positive U.S. tech earnings reports from Wall Street.

• Global markets are preparing for the US equities cash opening on July 31, 2026, amid a roundup of corporate and international financial updates. • Major European indices are trending higher to close the week, with gains including Germany's DAX (+0.4%), France's CAC 40 (+0.5%), and Italy's FTSE MIB (+0.6%).

• Abu Dhabi's investment arm, 2PointZero Group, reported a net profit of Dh7.7bn and revenue of Dh21.9bn for the first half of 2026. • Financial growth was primarily driven by global expansion efforts and the divestment of Taqa, resulting in an operating cash flow of Dh3.4bn.

• European stock markets trended moderately higher midday Friday, driven by a global rally in technology stocks and positive corporate earnings reports. • Gains were primarily led by the tech and oil sectors, reflecting strong investor confidence across continental trading.

• European stock indices closed higher on Thursday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index recording a 0.8% increase. • Market movement was primarily driven by a surge of macroeconomic data reports and anticipation regarding central bank interest rate decisions.

• Eurozone inflation rose to 2.9% in July, though price pressures varied significantly across different member states. • The Netherlands saw the sharpest monthly increase at 1.5%, followed by Germany (+0.9%) and France (+0.6%), while Greece (-1.4%) and Italy (-1.0%) experienced the steepest price drops.

• Eurostat reports that annual inflation in the euro area is expected to rise to 2.9% in July 2026, increasing from 2.8% in June. • Energy prices are the primary driver of this increase, with an expected annual rate of 10.0% in July compared to 8.5% the previous month.

• European stock indices closed the week mostly higher, with the German Dax leading the regional gains despite ending the day little changed. • Italy outperformed most of Europe as financial stocks provided strong support, while Spanish and Belgian equities also posted steady advances.

• Stryker Corporation (SYK) shares fell 5.83% to $327.77 after the company's quarterly revenue failed to meet consensus forecasts. • Technical analysis shows the stock has broken below the $314.99 support level and is currently trading under its 20, 50, and 200-day moving averages.

• European markets rose midday Thursday as a surge in technology stocks fueled investor risk appetite. • The trend follows Wednesday's Federal Reserve decision, with short-term yields dropping to support tech valuations and weaken the U.S. dollar.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) and national supervisors have published the results of the 2026 geopolitical risk reverse stress test. • Participating banks analyzed various risk narratives, including military conflicts, cyber incidents, economic sanctions, and disruptions to energy and supply chains.