U.S. Markets & Fed Highlights
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that rate cuts are not imminent, stressing elevated inflation and slowing demand. The policy rate remains at 4.25–4.50%, with the odds of a September cut slipping to ~45–46% .
Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar strengthened, particularly small-cap stocks which underperformed while tech-heavy futures rallied on the back of strong earnings from Microsoft and Meta .
🌏 Asia-Pacific & Commodities
Asian equities declined, led by sharp drops in Chinese and Hong Kong markets, triggered by weak Chinese PMI data and a ~19% plunge in copper prices .
The Japanese yen gained after the Bank of Japan maintained its 0.5% policy rate but raised the core inflation forecast to 2.7%, hinting at a cautious shift in tone .
🌐 Geopolitical & Trade Tensions
The U.S. unveiled new tariffs, targeting countries like India (25%), South Korea (15%), and in rare cases Brazil (up to 50%) due to political disputes. These measures spooked equity markets across impacted regions .
🧾 Corporate & Market Sentiment
Futures tracked upward for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, thanks to strong tech sector earnings and upbeat guidance from Microsoft and Meta .
Markets remain cautious, with investors awaiting key upcoming data, including July jobs reports, U.S. PCE inflation, and earnings from Apple and Amazon; volatility ahead is expected .
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📌 Quick Summary Table
Theme Snapshot
Fed Policy No rate cut signals—policy steady; Fed to watch more data.
Tech Earnings Microsoft & Meta lift sentiment.
Global Equities Declines in Asia; futures firm in the U.S.
Currency & Bonds Rising yields; dollar near 2‑month high; yen rebounds.
Geo‑politics New U.S. tariffs stir volatility in India, Korea, Brazil.
Market Outlook Earnings, inflation, and trade headlines set to guide risk.
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