2026 Markets

• The Asia session was primarily influenced by Japanese trade data, a weakening Japanese yen, and persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. • Key market drivers for July 22, 2026, include the U.S. EIA crude oil inventory report and high-profile U.S. corporate earnings. • These events are expected to impact the volatility of the U.S. dollar, equity indices, Treasury yields, and safe-haven assets.

• 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.