Monday

• The Bank of Japan maintained interest rates at 1% following a rare intervention to support the yen. • Economic indicators show China's factory activity has declined for the first time in five months, signaling a potential slowdown. • South Korea's stock market experienced a massive surge, recording a historic 18% increase.

• The Indian stock market recovered from early losses to rally approximately 3% over the past week despite ongoing global volatility. • Market movement for the coming Monday will be driven by key factors including corporate earnings, fluctuating oil prices, and domestic economic cues. • A primary focus for investors is the upcoming outcome of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

• On August 2, 2026, updates were released regarding the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran and Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. • Donald Trump announced that formal negotiations with Tehran are scheduled to begin this coming Monday. • These developments are critical as they signal a potential diplomatic shift amid escalating regional conflict and active combat in three separate fronts.

• President Trump announced that talks regarding the US-Iran conflict will resume on Monday after he previously called off planned strikes. • Former Palestinian Authority leader Mohammed Dahlan claimed that Jared Kushner is working with Israel to halt attacks on Gaza, though the White House and State Department have not yet commented. • Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen contradicted reports of a ceasefire, stating there is no deal to stop attacks and arguing that Israel should take full control of the Gaza Strip, where it already controls 70%.

• Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until Monday following disruptions and ruckus caused by opposition members during Day 10 of the 2026 Monsoon Session. • Rahul Gandhi led the criticism against Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning alleged police brutality against protestors during the 'Sansad Chalo' march. • Despite the unrest, the Rajya Sabha is scheduled to deliberate on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Friday, July 31.

• The FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee has approved the peptides epitalon and semax for compounding. • Medical experts warn that this decision may mislead the public into believing the FDA has thoroughly evaluated the safety and efficacy of these compounds. • Critics argue the move is significant because it could potentially undermine the integrity and future of the formal FDA drug approval process.

• Stock futures are surging ahead of Monday's open following a period of losses last week and a rebound in chip stocks. • Oil prices are plunging as the U.S. and Iran halted strikes over the weekend, signaling a cooling of tensions in the Middle East. • Investors are preparing for a critical earnings week featuring reports from major tech giants including Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.