Flat

• European markets are expected to open flat following an indecisive trading session in the Asia-Pacific region. • Investors are maintaining a cautious stance as they await the release of the U.S. Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) data. • President Trump indicated that the conflict with Iran may conclude soon, noting that the Strait of Hormuz remains largely open.

Property prices in ‘suspended animation’ owing to higher mortgage rates and uncertainty in Middle EastBusiness live – latest updatesUK house prices were broadly stagnant in July as prospective buyers were squeezed by higher mortgage rates, uncertainty around the Middle East and stretched affordability, according to the lender Lloyds.The average property cost £299,253 in July, down by £143 compared with June, the bank’s monthly index found. Continue reading...

• European stocks remained flat to slightly higher on Wednesday following a record high the previous day. • Market momentum was driven by positive corporate earnings and optimism regarding talks between Washington and Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • Investors are currently balancing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East with the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and Q2 economic growth estimates.

• The Indian stock market ended the session in the green, with the Sensex closing 150 points higher while the Nifty50 remained flat. • Investors balanced market mechanics against expectations for the Reserve Bank of India's upcoming policy decisions, while monitoring crude oil prices and the rupee. • Analysts noted that recent fluctuations are likely due to adjustments in the revised settlement framework rather than a decline in economic fundamentals.

• Philippine annual inflation slowed to 6.2% in July, though it remains significantly above the central bank's 3% target for 2026. • To combat rising prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has already increased its key interest rate by 50 basis points in 2026. • The economic situation is critical as the Philippines faces some of the fastest inflation and slowest growth in Southeast Asia, with Q1 2026 growth sliding to 2.8%.

• On August 5, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance, a move that aligned with market expectations. • The RBI raised its GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.7% and lowered its CPI inflation projection to 5%, citing resilient economic indicators. • Indian markets reacted mixedly to the announcement, with the Sensex climbing nearly 300 points while the Nifty 50 remained flat.

• U.S. stocks rallied toward all-time highs on Monday as falling oil prices reduced investor concerns regarding persistent inflation. • The surge is supported by strong corporate performance, with S&P 500 companies projected to deliver earnings per share 47% higher than the previous year. • This growth represents the strongest spring earnings increase since 2021, when the global economy began recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.