Friday

• The FTSE 100 rose while European markets showed mixed performance at the end of a hectic week dominated by central bank decisions, corporate earnings, and speculation over a possible pause in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Donald Trump prepares for a meeting with Vladimir Putin.
• Global markets reacted to U.S. trade policy shifts. Trump’s nomination of Stephen Miran for the Fed board vacancy lifted U.S. futures.
• Gold prices reached new highs following announcements of U.S. duties on gold bar imports. The dollar weakened as markets anticipate Federal Reserve rate cuts beginning September.

Thursday

• The White House has put into effect new broad “reciprocal” tariffs through a recent executive order, requiring importers to pay fees ranging from 10% to 50% over the next few months on various goods entering the US from worldwide sources.
• The Bank of England reduced rates to 4% from 4.25%, though four of nine policymakers opposed the cut. BoE Governor Bailey warned against rapid rate reductions.
• Japanese shares reached record levels on Ukraine ceasefire hopes, while global chip stocks rose after Trump exempted US-based semiconductor manufacturers from new tariffs.

Wednesday

• U.S. stock futures climbed on Wednesday as investors digested more corporate earnings and ongoing trade uncertainty.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained 0.4%, while S&P 500 futures inched up 0.2%. Nasdaq 100 futures, known for its tech focus, also rose by about 0.2%.
• US President Trump’s threats of new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors impacted markets, with chip stocks facing additional pressure after disappointing results from AMD and Super Micro.
• Oil prices recovered with Brent crude rising 1.6% to $68.73, while Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari indicated support for two rate cuts this year due to cooling labor markets.

Tuesday

• President Trump announced plans to name his pick for an open Fed governor seat and Fed chair position, but ruled out Bessent.
• Palantir Technologies stock surged after reporting its first $1 billion revenue quarter, helping lift the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. The ISM Services PMI dropped to 50.1 in July, near contraction territory.
• Oil prices declined with WTI crude dropping to $65.50 due to increased OPEC+ supply. Gold prices remained near $3,370 as dollar strength balanced against rate cut expectations.

Monday

• U.S. stock futures rose on Monday as Wall Street steadied itself in the face of new challenges, including weak labor market data and ongoing trade uncertainty. S&P 500 futures gained 0.6%, Nasdaq 100 futures increased by 0.7%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up 0.5%.
• US employment data disappointed markets with only 73,000 jobs added in July versus 110,000 expected, triggering fresh speculation about Federal Reserve rate cuts.
• OPEC+ announced a production increase of 547,000 barrels per day for September, pushing oil prices lower.