#USMarketUpdate
S&P 500, Nasdaq register best quarter since 2020 despite Iran war
SUMMARY
Energy, financials could be better bets — BofA
Optimism about Q2 earnings persists
On the day, Dow up 0.3%, S&P 500 up 0.8%, Nasdaq up 1.5%
June 30 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished June on Tuesday with their biggest quarterly gains since 2020 as investors remained upbeat about economic and earnings growth even amid the Middle East conflict.
The Dow had its biggest quarterly jump since 2022.
Optimism over signs of progress in efforts to bring the Iran war to a lasting halt has helped stocks recently despite continued military tensions.
Iran and the U.S. on June 17 signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the four-month-old conflict.
But exchanges of fire over the weekend have tested that agreement, and a Qatari official said on Tuesday that top U.S. envoys who have arrived in Doha will not hold a high-level meeting with Iran.
After a strong first-quarter earnings season for S&P 500 companies, investors are looking forward to second-quarter results in the coming weeks...
Weakness in heavyweight technology shares has weighed on the market in recent weeks, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both registered losses for the month of June.
Investors have been concerned about lofty valuations in the tech sector and continued massive spending on AI by tech companies.
For the quarter, the Dow was up about 13%, the S&P 500 gained 14.9% and the Nasdaq rose 21.4%.
Strategists at BofA said cyclical, value-oriented sectors such as energy and financials could be the better bet heading into the second half.
After the closing bell, shares of Nike (NKE.N), opens new tab were down about 2% following the company's release of quarterly results.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.06-to-1 ratio on the New York Stock Exchange. There were 349 new highs and 154 new lows on the NYSE.
On the Nasdaq, 2,651 stocks rose and 2,318 fell as advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.14-to-1 ratio. The S&P 500 posted no new 52-week highs and no new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded no new highs and no new lows.
Volume on U.S. exchanges was 19.97 billion shares, compared with the 23.40 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.
https://www.reuters.com/business/us-stock-futures-little-changed-strong-quarter-nears-end-2026-06-30/
S&P 500, Nasdaq register best quarter since 2020 despite Iran war
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sp-500-nasdaq-register-best-quarter-since-2020-despite-iran-war
S&P 500, Nasdaq register best quarter since 2020 despite Iran war
SUMMARY
Energy, financials could be better bets — BofA
Optimism about Q2 earnings persists
On the day, Dow up 0.3%, S&P 500 up 0.8%, Nasdaq up 1.5%
June 30 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished June on Tuesday with their biggest quarterly gains since 2020 as investors remained upbeat about economic and earnings growth even amid the Middle East conflict.
The Dow had its biggest quarterly jump since 2022.
Optimism over signs of progress in efforts to bring the Iran war to a lasting halt has helped stocks recently despite continued military tensions.
Iran and the U.S. on June 17 signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the four-month-old conflict.
But exchanges of fire over the weekend have tested that agreement, and a Qatari official said on Tuesday that top U.S. envoys who have arrived in Doha will not hold a high-level meeting with Iran.
After a strong first-quarter earnings season for S&P 500 companies, investors are looking forward to second-quarter results in the coming weeks...
Weakness in heavyweight technology shares has weighed on the market in recent weeks, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both registered losses for the month of June.
Investors have been concerned about lofty valuations in the tech sector and continued massive spending on AI by tech companies.
For the quarter, the Dow was up about 13%, the S&P 500 gained 14.9% and the Nasdaq rose 21.4%.
Strategists at BofA said cyclical, value-oriented sectors such as energy and financials could be the better bet heading into the second half.
After the closing bell, shares of Nike (NKE.N), opens new tab were down about 2% following the company's release of quarterly results.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.06-to-1 ratio on the New York Stock Exchange. There were 349 new highs and 154 new lows on the NYSE.
On the Nasdaq, 2,651 stocks rose and 2,318 fell as advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.14-to-1 ratio. The S&P 500 posted no new 52-week highs and no new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded no new highs and no new lows.
Volume on U.S. exchanges was 19.97 billion shares, compared with the 23.40 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.
https://www.reuters.com/business/us-stock-futures-little-changed-strong-quarter-nears-end-2026-06-30/
S&P 500, Nasdaq register best quarter since 2020 despite Iran war
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sp-500-nasdaq-register-best-quarter-since-2020-despite-iran-war
While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 1, 2026
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/while-you-were-sleeping-5-stories-you-might-have-missed-july-1-2026
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCaM1Lat/
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/while-you-were-sleeping-5-stories-you-might-have-missed-july-1-2026
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCaM1Lat/
The Straits Times
While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 1, 2026
While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 1, 2026. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Neymar pokes fun at German mathematician after Brazil beat Japan - ESPN
https://www.espn.com.sg/soccer/story/_/id/49223680/neymar-pokes-fun-german-mathematician-brazil-beat-japan
https://www.espn.com.sg/soccer/story/_/id/49223680/neymar-pokes-fun-german-mathematician-brazil-beat-japan
ESPN.com
Neymar pokes fun at German mathematician after Brazil beat Japan
Neymar poked fun at German mathematician Joachim Klement, who wrongly predicted that Brazil would lose to Japan in the Round of 32 and the Netherlands would lift the World Cup.
🐳 WhalePool Traders Journal
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EIC - The Company That Ruled the World | full documentary
#FINAiUS.
The East India Company was a ruthless machine that orchestrated history’s largest wealth transfer — conquering empires, building private armies, and rewriting global trade through blood and spice. 🔥
#finaius
-CHAPTERS-
00:00 The Birth of the Company (1599)
01:17 The First Voyage
02:30 The Mughal Empire & the Embassy (1615)
06:01 The Accidental Gift of Bombay (1661)
09:34 Declaring War on the Mughals (1686)
12:27 The Fall of the Mughal Empire (1707)
15:04 The Invention of the Sepoy (1746)
15:53 The Rise of Robert Clive
18:37 The Jagat Seths: Bankers of the World
20:58 Sponsor - Privacy
22:41 The Rise of Siraj ud-Daula (1756)
24:56 The Battle of Plassey (1757)
28:04 Merchant to Monarch: The Diwani
30:58 The Rise of Mir Qasim
33:44 The Fall of Qasim & the Battle of Buxar (1764)
37:07 The Great Bengal Famine (1770)
41:18 The Death of Clive & the Rise of Hastings
43:14 Opium, Conquest & a Global Drug Empire
46:44 The Opium War (1839)
50:13 The Sepoy Uprising of 1857
53:18 The End of the East India Company (1858)
56:07 The Rise of the British Raj
https://youtu.be/JtM_iTPJIJw?is=qP1jfOMXMFe6ihV9
#FINAiUS.
The East India Company was a ruthless machine that orchestrated history’s largest wealth transfer — conquering empires, building private armies, and rewriting global trade through blood and spice. 🔥
#finaius
-CHAPTERS-
00:00 The Birth of the Company (1599)
01:17 The First Voyage
02:30 The Mughal Empire & the Embassy (1615)
06:01 The Accidental Gift of Bombay (1661)
09:34 Declaring War on the Mughals (1686)
12:27 The Fall of the Mughal Empire (1707)
15:04 The Invention of the Sepoy (1746)
15:53 The Rise of Robert Clive
18:37 The Jagat Seths: Bankers of the World
20:58 Sponsor - Privacy
22:41 The Rise of Siraj ud-Daula (1756)
24:56 The Battle of Plassey (1757)
28:04 Merchant to Monarch: The Diwani
30:58 The Rise of Mir Qasim
33:44 The Fall of Qasim & the Battle of Buxar (1764)
37:07 The Great Bengal Famine (1770)
41:18 The Death of Clive & the Rise of Hastings
43:14 Opium, Conquest & a Global Drug Empire
46:44 The Opium War (1839)
50:13 The Sepoy Uprising of 1857
53:18 The End of the East India Company (1858)
56:07 The Rise of the British Raj
https://youtu.be/JtM_iTPJIJw?is=qP1jfOMXMFe6ihV9
YouTube
EIC - The Company That Ruled the World | Full Documentary
Get your $5 sign-up bonus at http://privacy.com/finaius. You can use it on your first purchase! Privacy has a free plan with no transaction fees for domestic purchases. Protect your financial identity online with virtual cards.
The East India Company was…
The East India Company was…
China Just Shut Down Gold Trading" and it was created by #AndreiJikh
This video explores China's recent decision to halt retail paper gold trading, suggesting it is a strategic move to establish a new, physical-based gold settlement system that challenges the Western-dominated financial markets (0:00-4:33).
Key Points and Takeaways:
The Crackdown on Paper Gold: Major Chinese banks, including ICBC, have announced the end of retail paper gold trading effective July 24th (0:20-0:59). The official justification is the protection of retail investors from extreme market volatility, following a significant drop in gold prices from their January highs (1:04-1:56).
The Theory of Price Suppression: The video posits that the global gold price has been artificially suppressed for decades through "paper gold" markets—contracts representing claims on gold without physical delivery. By eliminating speculation and margin trading, China aims to enable "real price discovery" based on physical supply and demand (2:47-4:07, 6:46-7:38).
The Shift to Physical Gold: Central banks globally, including China's, have been accumulating massive quantities of physical gold, often hidden from official reports, while simultaneously reducing their holdings of US Treasuries (3:28-3:50, 12:20-14:19).
China's New Gold System: China is building a parallel financial infrastructure centered in Shanghai (for physical vaulting and pricing) and Hong Kong (as an international gateway). The goal is to anchor the yuan to gold, providing a stable alternative for commodity settlements that bypasses the US dollar (17:57-20:56).
The US Perspective: The video discusses the possibility that the US may respond by revaluing its own gold holdings (currently valued at an outdated $42/ounce) or introducing gold-backed Treasury bonds to maintain the dollar's standing, potentially as a "monetary declaration of independence" (21:05-24:18).
https://youtu.be/Z_xvkbGWauU?is=j4EnF2PNQehaBWAX
This video explores China's recent decision to halt retail paper gold trading, suggesting it is a strategic move to establish a new, physical-based gold settlement system that challenges the Western-dominated financial markets (0:00-4:33).
Key Points and Takeaways:
The Crackdown on Paper Gold: Major Chinese banks, including ICBC, have announced the end of retail paper gold trading effective July 24th (0:20-0:59). The official justification is the protection of retail investors from extreme market volatility, following a significant drop in gold prices from their January highs (1:04-1:56).
The Theory of Price Suppression: The video posits that the global gold price has been artificially suppressed for decades through "paper gold" markets—contracts representing claims on gold without physical delivery. By eliminating speculation and margin trading, China aims to enable "real price discovery" based on physical supply and demand (2:47-4:07, 6:46-7:38).
The Shift to Physical Gold: Central banks globally, including China's, have been accumulating massive quantities of physical gold, often hidden from official reports, while simultaneously reducing their holdings of US Treasuries (3:28-3:50, 12:20-14:19).
China's New Gold System: China is building a parallel financial infrastructure centered in Shanghai (for physical vaulting and pricing) and Hong Kong (as an international gateway). The goal is to anchor the yuan to gold, providing a stable alternative for commodity settlements that bypasses the US dollar (17:57-20:56).
The US Perspective: The video discusses the possibility that the US may respond by revaluing its own gold holdings (currently valued at an outdated $42/ounce) or introducing gold-backed Treasury bonds to maintain the dollar's standing, potentially as a "monetary declaration of independence" (21:05-24:18).
https://youtu.be/Z_xvkbGWauU?is=j4EnF2PNQehaBWAX
YouTube
China Just Shut Down Gold Trading
China Will Launch A New Gold System (July 24th)
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Global AI wave revs up Asian factories, offsetting war-induced pain
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/startups-tech/technology/global-ai-wave-revs-asian-factories-offsetting-war-induced-pain
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/startups-tech/technology/global-ai-wave-revs-asian-factories-offsetting-war-induced-pain
The Business Times
Global AI wave revs up Asian factories, offsetting war-induced pain
This offers some relief for the region’s export-reliant economies Read more at The Business Times.
Weaker jobs outlook dims HDB resale market as prices, volume slip further in Q2
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/weaker-jobs-outlook-dims-hdb-resale-market-prices-volume-slip-further-q2
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/weaker-jobs-outlook-dims-hdb-resale-market-prices-volume-slip-further-q2
The Business Times
Weaker jobs outlook dims HDB resale market as prices, volume slip further in Q2
Price declines spread across more HDB towns, although million-dollar resale flat deals continue to climb Read more at The Business Times.
China stocks rise on robust factory activity data, Xi’s speech
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/china-stocks-rise-robust-factory-activity-data-xis-speech
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/china-stocks-rise-robust-factory-activity-data-xis-speech
The Business Times
China stocks rise on robust factory activity data, Xi’s speech
Tech shares surge, continuing their outperformance against traditional sector stocks Read more at The Business Times.
China manufacturing caps best quarter since 2020: survey
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/china-manufacturing-caps-best-quarter-2020-survey
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/china-manufacturing-caps-best-quarter-2020-survey
The Business Times
China manufacturing caps best quarter since 2020: survey
New orders increase for a 13th straight month, matching a 2021 record that is the best streak since 2018 Read more at The Business Times.
OCBC rolls out AI-native banking, to hire 600 relationship managers in wealth push
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/ocbc-rolls-out-ai-native-banking-hire-600-relationship-managers-wealth-push
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/ocbc-rolls-out-ai-native-banking-hire-600-relationship-managers-wealth-push
The Business Times
OCBC rolls out AI-native banking, to hire 600 relationship managers in wealth push
Its new app uses AI-powered digital avatars to deliver personalised wealth insights to affluent clients Read more at The Business Times.
Singapore seeks feedback on Bill to regulate major data centres, cloud service providers
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapore-seeks-feedback-bill-regulate-major-data-centres-cloud-service-providers
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapore-seeks-feedback-bill-regulate-major-data-centres-cloud-service-providers
The Business Times
Singapore seeks feedback on Bill to regulate major data centres, cloud service providers
The draft Bill proposes new resilience, security and energy-efficiency requirements for major operators Read more at The Business Times.
Golden Village to close Plaza Singapura outlet after 28 years amid mall revamp
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/golden-village-close-plaza-singapura-outlet-after-28-years-amid-mall-revamp
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/golden-village-close-plaza-singapura-outlet-after-28-years-amid-mall-revamp
The Business Times
Golden Village to close Plaza Singapura outlet after 28 years amid mall revamp
There are no plans to shutter any remaining outlets, a Golden Village spokesperson said Read more at The Business Times.
Bitcoin falls to 21-month low on strategy, rate-hike fears
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/wealth/crypto-alternative-assets/bitcoin-falls-21-month-low-strategy-rate-hike-fears
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/wealth/crypto-alternative-assets/bitcoin-falls-21-month-low-strategy-rate-hike-fears
The Business Times
Bitcoin falls to 21-month low on strategy, rate-hike fears
Hawkish comments by Fed are fuelling expectations for higher rates, encouraging capital away from assets like cryptocurrencies Read more at The Business Times.
Iran war delivers massive swings in Chinese petrochemicals trade
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/energy-commodities/iran-war-delivers-massive-swings-chinese-petrochemicals-trade
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/energy-commodities/iran-war-delivers-massive-swings-chinese-petrochemicals-trade
The Business Times
Iran war delivers massive swings in Chinese petrochemicals trade
Amid loss of feedstock from the Persian Gulf, Asian petrochemical importers tapped China, which has massive stockpiles Read more at The Business Times.
From caviar to foie gras: China’s next export shock
“Even French foie gras is being outclassed by China!”
My friend sent me this message after seeing a news report that China’s foie gras production was rapidly closing in on France’s.
Once synonymous with French fine dining, foie gras has been steadily “demystified” in China. It is no longer an exclusive luxury but an increasingly accessible ingredient, finding its way into everything from foie gras fried rice to hotpot, where thin slices are briefly cooked in simmering broth. Even in upscale restaurants, the once-novel “foie gras cherry” has become a staple on the menu.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/food-drink/caviar-foie-gras-chinas-next-export-shock
“Even French foie gras is being outclassed by China!”
My friend sent me this message after seeing a news report that China’s foie gras production was rapidly closing in on France’s.
Once synonymous with French fine dining, foie gras has been steadily “demystified” in China. It is no longer an exclusive luxury but an increasingly accessible ingredient, finding its way into everything from foie gras fried rice to hotpot, where thin slices are briefly cooked in simmering broth. Even in upscale restaurants, the once-novel “foie gras cherry” has become a staple on the menu.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/food-drink/caviar-foie-gras-chinas-next-export-shock
The Business Times
From caviar to foie gras: China’s next export shock
From caviar to foie gras, Chinese producers are entering markets long tied to European prestige. As these brands expand overseas, Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu explores what their success reveals about China’s growing influence in global markets…
UOB breaks ground on US$450 million tower in Vietnam’s international financial centre
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/uob-breaks-ground-us450-million-tower-vietnams-international-financial-centre
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/uob-breaks-ground-us450-million-tower-vietnams-international-financial-centre
The Business Times
UOB breaks ground on US$450 million tower in Vietnam’s international financial centre
It is the only Singapore bank with a wholly owned subsidiary in the country Read more at The Business Times.
Australia weighs break-up of Big Four accounting firms after scandals
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/australia-weighs-break-big-four-accounting-firms-after-scandals
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/australia-weighs-break-big-four-accounting-firms-after-scandals
The Business Times
Australia weighs break-up of Big Four accounting firms after scandals
A paper from the Treasury department said the recent conduct of the Big Four accounting firms exposed gaps in Australia’s regulatory framework Read more at The Business Times.