New Zealand 1-Year Bill Auction

New Zealand 3-Month Bill Auction

New Zealand 6-Month Bill Auction

China Exports YoY

The Australian dollar rose above $0.705, but stayed at a two-month low as investors assessed easing Middle East tensions while persistent cost-of-living pressures weighed on domestic sentiment. Household confidence deteriorated further into deep pessimism, with the Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index falling about 3% to 80.6 in June, marking the fourth decline this year and among the weakest in decades. Households reported ongoing strain from elevated living costs, while a temporary fuel tax cut offered only limited and short-lived relief. Against this backdrop, investors are turning their attention to the upcoming policy decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia next week, where rates are widely expected to be held steady. Meanwhile, global risk sentiment got a minor lift after Iran and Israel announced a halt in fighting. However, the safe-haven US dollar remained stronger amid uncertainty over a US-Iran peace deal and hawkish Fed bets after a robust US jobs data.

Australian Dollar Stays at 2-Month Low

European Gas Prices Ease
European natural gas dipped to around €50 per megawatt hour, following an over 3% gain in the previous session, as Israel and Iran agreed to halt mutual attacks after a recent escalation in hostilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is temporarily pausing strikes on Iran but would respond if Tehran resumes hostilities, while Iranian media indicated a similar stance. The development sustained hopes for a possible restart of talks toward a wider ceasefire agreement in the Middle East. Still, heightened uncertainty persisted, while the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global LNG flows, remained largely constrained, posing a challenge for importing regions as disruptions tightened global supply and increased competition for cargoes. This raised concerns about Europe’s ability to rebuild gas inventories ahead of winter.

European Gas Prices Ease

The Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% to 3,965 on Tuesday, while the Shenzhen Component advanced 1.2%, with both benchmarks rebounding from the previous session's losses as investors looked ahead to key trade data due later in the day. Market expectations point to a trade surplus of $92.1 billion, with export growth accelerating to 15% year-on-year from 14.1% in April, while imports are forecast to eased to 25%, from 25.3%. Sentiment was further supported by growing optimism over potential de-escalation in the Middle East after Iran and Israel agreed to suspend hostilities. Both benchmarks also drew support from a rebound in heavyweight technology shares following a slump in the prior session, led by Zhongji Innolight (2%), Eoptolink Technology (3.5%), and NAURA Technology (3.6%). Gains were also seen in Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (2.2%), PetroChina (3.2%), and China Shenhua Energy (4.6%).

China Stocks Rebound as Trade Data Looms

The benchmark KOSPI rose more than 3% to around 7,720 on Tuesday, recovering part of the previous session's selloff, as technology stocks rebounded and investors remained optimistic about the long-term outlook for artificial intelligence. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called the recent semiconductor selloff a buying opportunity, while Nvidia deepened partnerships with major South Korean firms and SK hynix moved to expand HBM4 production capacity. Samsung Electronics (2.5%) and SK Hynix (5.9%) led the advance, alongside SK Square (4.2%), Kia Corporation (7.9%), and Doosan Enerbility (3.9%). Additional support came from improved risk sentiment after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire. South Korea's first-quarter GDP growth was also revised higher to 1.8%, supported by robust semiconductor exports and solid investment. However, gains were limited by expectations that strong growth and inflation pressures could keep interest rates higher for longer.

Trending Symbols And Events

Most latest news, events and ideas for smart decisions

Latest News