Five Things

• 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. • Gold prices have recently declined due to the pressure of a strengthening U.S. dollar.

• U.S. futures have risen as a sharp decline in oil prices, which tumbled over 8% following a halt in fighting between the U.S. and Iran, has eased inflation and rate fears. • Investors are focusing on upcoming interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and other global central banks to determine future monetary policy. • A wave of corporate earnings reports is expected, specifically from megacap tech giants whose heavy data center investments are driving the artificial intelligence boom.

• Brent crude oil prices eased slightly after crossing the $90 mark following a series of exchange strikes between the U.S. and Iran. • Market attention shifts to a series of high-profile technology sector earnings reports and upcoming U.S. economic data to gauge inflation impacts from the conflict. • Geopolitical tensions remain high in the Middle East, creating uncertainty regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and global energy stability.

• U.S. stock futures remain steady as investors monitor the escalating conflict in Iran and prepare for a new week of corporate earnings reports. • Currency markets are seeing a pause in the Euro and U.S. Dollar as traders anticipate upcoming central bank meetings, while the British pound has seen a slight increase. • Market volatility is expected to be driven by the intersection of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and critical macroeconomic data.

• Samsung is expected to report record-high Q2 profits driven by an AI-fueled windfall, although its shares have recently declined. • Market indices showed positive momentum, with the Dow ending at a record high and the Nasdaq rising 1% as chip stocks rebounded. • Former Fed official Kevin Warsh is establishing five task forces involving global experts to analyze the Federal Reserve's balance sheet, inflation framework, and communication practices.

• EasyJet shares surged following an agreement to be acquired by Castlelake in a takeover deal valued at £5.2 billion. • The FTSE 100 experienced a dip as a significant rout in mining stocks offset the positive momentum generated by the M&A activity. • These developments highlight a volatile market environment where sector-specific crashes can eclipse major corporate acquisitions.

• The Bank of Canada is scheduled to release its business outlook survey and Canadian survey of consumer expectations this Monday. • These reports provide critical data on economic sentiment and consumer behavior ahead of the central bank's next major policy moves. • The data will serve as a key indicator for the upcoming interest rate decision and the monetary policy report scheduled for July 15.