US equity futures are firmer with the S&P 500 up modestly. Asia ended mostly higher, and European markets are stronger. Fed rate cut expectations remain elevated despite hotter-than-expected July PPI, with markets still pricing a high probability of a September cut; China’s latest activity data showed broad deterioration in industrial production, fixed asset investment, and retail sales, with the property downturn deepening; Japan’s Q2 GDP growth rebounded more than expected, helped by capex, external demand, and consumption; White House adviser Navarro said pharma tariffs are likely to be covered by "Section 232"; Attention turns to the Trump-Putin summit, with markets watching for geopolitical developments.

Companies Mentioned: Accenture, Millicom International Cellular, Hims & Hers Health

US equity futures are slightly softer with the S&P 500 down marginally. Asia ended mixed, with Japan pulling back from record highs. European markets are mostly firmer. Fed rate cut expectations continue to support sentiment, with the path of least resistance for equities still seen on the upside. Trump and Putin are set to meet Friday, with Trump warning of severe consequences if no ceasefire deal is reached. UK GDP growth surprised to the upside, aided by pre-tariff activity, while RICS data still showed a challenging housing market. China’s new loans shrank for the first time in 20 years, reflecting seasonality and weak credit demand. Australian employment data met forecasts with a lower jobless rate.

Companies Mentioned: Ampol, EG Group, Leju Holdings

S&P futures are pointing to a flat open today. Markets are responding positively to a record close in the U.S. markets, driven by CPI data that supports expectations of a September rate cut. While the data reflects mixed impacts from tariffs, it is seen as mild enough to justify Fed easing, particularly amid signs of labor market weakness. Asian markets surged today, with notable performances in Japan and Hong Kong. European markets are also firmer in early trades.

Companies Mentioned: Sapiens International, KKR

S&P futures are pointing to a flat open today, up +0.1%. Asian markets closed mostly higher today, with Japan's Nikkei climbing to a record high. European equity markets are also firmer in early trades. President Trump has signed an executive order that will extend the China tariff truce by another 90 days, signaling cautious progress in trade negotiations. Reports indicate discussions remain stuck on key issues like fentanyl, rare earths, and export controls. Trump suggested allowing sales of downgraded NVIDIA Blackwell chips to China as part of the negotiations.

Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, MARA Holdings, Hanesbrands, Citigroup

S&P futures slightly down with yields US 2-year down to 3.8% and 10-year down to 4.3%. Asia equities are trading mostly higher, European equity markets are narrowly mixed. Dollar softer. Oil down. Gold pulling back with White House to clarify tariff on gold bars. Industrial metals are mostly higher. On the latest batch of trade headlines, press coverage are mostly on US secondary tariffs over Russian crude purchases. VP Vance said China could be hit with tariffs, echoing President Trump last week. However, he also acknowledged the challenges targeting China given current ongoing talks, desire for Trump-Xi summit and China's rare earths leverage. Defiant stance from Beijing and Delhi also heightened skepticism that secondary sanctions will prompt any change to their Russian energy purchases.

Companies Mentioned: Avantor, Tegna, Northern Data, Nexstar Media Group, Rumble

US equity futures are slightly weaker, Asia ended mixed, with Japan rallying strongly while most other major markets fell. European markets are mostly firmer. Focus remains on trade developments as Trump’s global tariffs take effect, with major trading partners including India and Switzerland continuing to lobby for exemptions. Japan’s Akazawa said the US will clarify that the 15% tariff will not stack on top of existing levies and that a revised auto tariff order will be signed. Commerce Secretary Lutnick signaled a likely 90-day extension of the China tariff deadline. Reports said the US has imposed tariffs on certain gold bars traded on Comex, helping push gold to record highs. In US politics, recent Fedspeak has turned more dovish, with Waller emerging as the leading candidate to replace Powell, and Trump nominating CEA Chair Miren to the Fed Board.

Companies Mentioned: Tesla, Intel, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings, CK Hutchison Holdings, BlackRock

US equity futures are firmer. Asia mostly advanced, and European markets opened higher. Markets responded positively to Trump’s planned carve-out from the 100% chip tariff, which exempts companies investing in US capacity. Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases and raised the possibility of secondary sanctions on China. ECB economic bulletin and BoE rate decision in focus, with the latter expected to deliver a cautious 25 bp cut amid elevated inflation. Geopolitically, Trump said very good chance he would meet with Putin and Zelenskiy soon to broker peace.

Companies Mentioned: Apple, New World Development, Blackstone, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

S&P futures are pointing to a higher open today, up +0.5%. Asian markets traded higher today with the Nikkei outperforming and Hang Seng setting a third consecutive day of gains. European markets are also firmer in early trades. In a CNBC interview, President Trump reiterated key trade positions, particularly targeting India and China. He criticized India's Russian energy purchases, BRICS participation, high tariffs, and resistance to market access, threatening to hike existing 25% tariffs with a decision expected shortly. India is reportedly considering responses, including easing dairy market access and supporting affected exporters. On China, Trump stated that a trade deal is very close, with a potential meeting with President Xi by year-end, contingent on progress.

Companies Mentioned: Walt Disney, OpenAI, Boeing

S&P futures are pointing to a flat open today, up +0.1%. Asian markets traded broadly higher today, with the Nikkei and Hang Seng both up +0.6%. European equity markets are also firmer in early trades. Tensions between the U.S. and India have escalated after former President Trump threatened significant tariff hikes on India over its purchase of Russian oil. This follows a 25% tariff imposed by Trump last week. However, both nations remain engaged in dialogue, with talks scheduled for late August. India is reportedly considering increased purchases of U.S. gas, communication equipment, and gold but remains firm on protecting its agricultural and dairy sectors.

Companies Mentioned: STAAR Surgical, Core Scientific

US and European futures are higher. Asian equities trading mixed. US 2-year yield stays at 3.7% with 10-year hitting 4.3%. Crude contracts easing back, precious metals up. Fallout continues from President Trump's tariff announcements as countries facing steepest levies contemplate their response. Switzerland is among the hardest hit nations with 39% tariff, prompting business minster to weigh a revised trade offer to US that includes stepped up purchase commitments. Trump hit Brazil with additional 40% tariffs amid a diplomatic and trade row, though while President Lula struck defiant tone he also indicated openness to talks. Canada says open to reaching deal that results in lower tariffs ahead of possible talks between Trump and Carney in coming days. Meanwhile, White House is giving more positive signals on direction of US-China trade talks with Treasury Secretary Bessent flagging makings of a trade deal

Companies Mentioned: Amphenol, CommScope, SITE Centers, Smart Share Global