2026 Markets

• Investor sentiment improved during the Asia session on July 21, 2026, following reports of proposed international mediation for a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East. • The news eased immediate market concerns regarding potential energy supply disruptions, causing crude oil prices to retreat from their recent highs. • Asian equity markets saw a recovery as a result of the geopolitical optimism, with notable gains recorded in Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s KOSPI.

• Brent crude oil prices surged above $90 per barrel following escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and renewed shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. • The Canadian dollar remains firm following the Bank of Canada's decision to maintain its policy rate at 2.25% for the sixth consecutive meeting. • The Bank of Canada adopted a balanced tone, noting that while inflation pressures are easing, economic growth is projected to strengthen later in the year.

• Deloitte Thailand's "2026 M&A Trends" survey reveals a "tale of two markets" where corporate confidence in mergers and acquisitions is returning alongside increased caution. • Organizations are increasingly integrating AI into critical deal phases, including target screening, due diligence, risk assessment, and post-merger integration planning. • This shift matters as AI allows deal teams to analyze larger data volumes and identify risks faster, though human judgment remains essential for final decision-making.

• Major stock indexes closed lower on July 13, 2026, driven by a decline in memory chipmaker shares, including SK Hynix. • Oil prices surged following President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. is reinstating a blockade of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. • The market volatility coincides with the start of second-quarter earnings reports from several major national banks this week.

• U.S. markets are currently reacting to a surprisingly weak June employment report, which has strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain a patient approach toward further policy tightening. • The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is maintaining flexibility to intervene in the government bond market or adjust operations to counter excessive yen fluctuations and ensure financial stability. • Japan's economy is experiencing moderate but uneven growth as of July 2026, driven by resilient domestic demand and corporate investment despite geopolitical tensions and weak global manufacturing.

• Nasdaq's Nordic exchanges emerged as leaders in Europe's listing landscape during the first half of 2026, attracting global issuers and growth companies seeking liquidity. • Key listings on Nasdaq Helsinki included the circular-economy firm Lassila & Tikanoja and financial platform Easor following partial demergers. • In April 2026, the Finnish industrial owner and compounder Auroora Group Plc officially entered the Main Market.

• Major U.S. stock indexes ended Monday, July 6, 2026, higher following a holiday-shortened week. • The Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved a historic milestone, crossing the 53,000 mark for the first time to set both intraday and closing records. • The market surge was primarily driven by a rebound in shares tied to artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

• The ASIFMA 2026 Asia-Pacific Capital Markets Survey has identified the top eight markets in the APAC region for ease of doing business. • Leading jurisdictions include Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, India, Taiwan, China Mainland, and South Korea. • The survey highlights 11 key product and service lines targeted for expansion, led by Equities, Fixed Income, FX, Asset Management, and ESG & Sustainability.

• U.S. stock markets closed higher on July 1, 2026, with the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite leading the gains. • The S&P 500 also rose, reflecting a broad increase in value across 500 large companies and overall positive market sentiment. • The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw more subdued activity due to the performance of its industrial and financial components.

• Financial markets on Monday, June 30, 2026, were driven by conflicting reports regarding escalating hostilities between the US and Iran. • President Trump announced that negotiations between the two nations are scheduled to resume on Tuesday to address the surge in tensions. • Despite the prospect of talks, energy prices climbed, with TTF natural gas settling above EUR 42/MWh, although market-implied volatility decreased.