Markets Wrap

• The UK labour market showed continued loss of momentum in June, characterized by weaker hiring conditions and a cooling in wage growth. • Private-sector wage growth slowed to 2.8%, marking its weakest pace since 2020, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9%. • A decline in job vacancies further reinforces the trend of a softening labour market across the United Kingdom.

• European markets saw major indices reach new highs during the morning session on July 31, 2026. • The USD/JPY pair extended its rebound above 160 following a Bank of Japan decision and speculation regarding market intervention. • Eurozone inflation experienced a slight uptick in July, adding volatility to currency and bond markets.

• South Korea's stock markets experienced a severe rout, with the Kospi index declining by more than 10% in a single day. • Major semiconductor companies Samsung and SK Hynix both saw double-digit losses, contributing to a broader 30% market drop over the last six weeks. • The crash is driven by growing investor fears that the memory chip bubble is bursting, threatening the sector's recent sensational growth.

• European equity markets recovered from a shaky start on July 20, 2026, with major indices ending the morning session slightly higher. • Oil prices retreated during the session as Iran indicated a willingness to consider mediation proposals. • The shift in sentiment reflects a cautious optimism among investors regarding geopolitical tensions and energy stability.

• Asian stock markets rose, led by a 1.6% climb in the MSCI Asia Pacific equities gauge, as traders reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes. • The rally was driven by cooler-than-expected US inflation data and renewed momentum in the artificial intelligence trade, specifically boosting technology shares. • South Korea’s Kospi index surged nearly 6%, reclaiming its position as the world’s best-performing major stock benchmark for the year, with SK Hynix Inc. among the key gainers.

• US stocks and treasuries remained steady as investors avoided major positions ahead of critical economic data and the unofficial start of the earnings season. • Market participants are awaiting upcoming testimony from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and the release of new US inflation (CPI) data. • Technology stocks saw a boost, with Nasdaq 100 contracts rising 0.5% following a rebound by South Korean memory chip giants.

• European markets remained volatile on July 13, 2026, with oil prices holding higher as investors focused on escalating tensions between the US and Iran. • Chip stocks surged by 10% while gold prices plunged, a shift driven by a strengthening US dollar that some traders suggest signals a potential regime change. • Concerns are mounting over US fiscal health, as national debt has now exceeded the size of the economy and the Treasury is borrowing $155 billion per month.

• European markets remained tentative with light changes across major indices during the morning session on July 6, 2026. • US equities are positioning for a rebound as Wall Street reopens, with a specific focus on a recovery in technology shares. • Market indicators show positive momentum for US futures, with the S&P 500 up 0.4% and the Nasdaq rising by 1.0%.

• Tech stocks experienced a rebound as dip buyers returned to the market, driven by speculation that the artificial-intelligence trade still has significant growth potential. • The Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.3%, with Broadcom Inc. seeing a notable jump following the expansion of its partnership with Apple Inc. • This recovery halted a recent rout in semiconductor firms, as traders bet that the ongoing investment boom in AI will continue to support strong corporate earnings.

• European stock indices remained largely flat or recovered slight losses during the morning session on June 8, 2026. • Market activity was characterized by light changes across major indices, while U.S. futures showed an upward trend. • Investors are reacting to developments regarding a potential ceasefire, though uncertainty remains about the long-term stability of the agreement.