Seoul’s KOSPI index surged as easing AI profitability worries and hopes for a U.S.-Iran interim deal on the Strait of Hormuz boosted investor confidence and tech shares.
Many investors fixate on early AI winners, ignoring fundamental shifts in the sector that could redefine future investment opportunities.
President Trump condemned the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates, arguing that lower rates would accelerate unprecedented investment and economic growth in the US.
A sharp decline in US technology shares wiped out about $1.2 trillion as investor skepticism grows over rising AI costs, weak earnings, and hefty capital expenditures.
Iran’s announcement to suspend strikes as long as the US maintains its pause fuels optimism, driving gains in Asian markets and easing oil prices.
Technology stocks linked to artificial intelligence fell heavily across global markets, while oil prices surged due to escalating tensions involving Iran.
Wall Street futures showed modest gains as oil prices climbed following Iran’s threat to block Middle East energy exports amid renewed U.S. port blockades.
The Federal Reserve signals a firm stance on inflation as global energy disruptions from Middle East conflicts cloud economic outlooks ahead of key policy decisions.
U.S. consumer inflation slowed in June, driven by falling energy costs, but escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz threatens to push oil and gas prices higher again soon.
Despite a slight rise in nominal wages, inflation has nearly wiped out gains, leaving Americans’ real hourly pay virtually unchanged over the past year.
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh reaffirmed the central bank’s independence while facing lawmakers’ questions on resisting political pressure from the Trump administration over interest-rate policies.
Asian shares climbed as softer US inflation data reduced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike, boosting investor confidence and driving significant gains, particularly in South Korea’s technology sector.