Armenia awaits results as counting continues in high-stakes elections
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million peop...
Global financial markets are trading mixed today amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on drug and semiconductor imports, coupled with weak service sector data impacting investor risk appetite.
The new tariff measures, based on the principle of reciprocity and signed by Trump last week, are set to take effect this Thursday. The President has stated that details regarding tariffs on drug and semiconductor imports will be announced “next week or shortly thereafter.”
“Initially, low tariffs will be applied to imported drugs. However, this rate will rise to 150% within a year to a year and a half, and later increase to 250%, as we want these drugs to be produced domestically in the U.S.,” Trump said.
Analysts note that despite trade agreements with key partners like China, Japan, and the European Union, the new tariff plans are increasing market uncertainty, keeping investor attention focused on related developments.
Economic Outlook
Questions remain over how these tariffs will affect the U.S. economy. The ISM services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.1 in July, below market expectations. Analysts say this weakness raises concerns over economic activity and places the Federal Reserve in a difficult position between controlling inflation and supporting growth.
Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit narrowed by 16% in June to $60.2 billion, hitting its lowest level since September 2023. On the corporate front, Palantir shares rose 7.85% after raising its annual revenue forecast, while Pfizer’s shares gained 5.18% following an upward revision to profit guidance.
Gold Continues Fourth Day of Gains
Economic uncertainty in the U.S. has boosted demand for gold. The price of gold rose 0.2% to $3,380 per ounce, marking a fourth consecutive day of gains. However, early trading today shows a slight dip of 0.2% to $3,375 per ounce.
US 10-year Treasury yields climbed to 4.21%, while the dollar index reached 98.7. Brent crude oil prices rose to $67.80 per barrel.
Positive Signals in European and Asian Markets
European stock markets closed higher yesterday, except in France. Investors are closely watching the Bank of England’s interest rate decision scheduled for tomorrow, with markets largely expecting a rate cut.
Asian markets displayed mixed performance. Japan’s automotive sector led gains with Mitsubishi Heavy’s shares up 4.1%, Toyota rising 3.3%, and Mazda Motors increasing 3.1%.
Turkish Markets
The BIST 100 index in Borsa Istanbul closed marginally down at 10,849.96 points yesterday. Meanwhile, August futures contracts on the BIST 30 index in the VIOP market rose 0.35% to 12,303 points during the evening session.
The USD/TRY exchange rate is trading around 40.6780 in the interbank market today.
Key Data Releases to Watch Today:
09:00 Germany – June Factory Orders
12:00 Eurozone – June Retail Sales
14:00 US – Weekly Mortgage Applications
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
Chinese carmakers are rapidly reshaping the global automotive market, with record exports, soaring electric vehicle sales and growing investments overseas putting pressure on established European, Japanese and U.S. rivals.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has begun its latest round of negotiations on creating the first binding global standards for platform-based work, covering services such as ride-hailing, food delivery and other app-based work.
European companies are continuing to deepen their presence in China, with nearly seven in ten firms maintaining or expanding their supply chains despite global efforts to diversify, according to a new survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce.
BP has removed its chair, Albert Manifold, with immediate effect, citing concerns over governance and conduct. The company said its board had unanimously decided that Manifold should no longer serve as chair or director.
The dual-class share structure outlined in SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO) filing, which gives chief executive Elon Musk outsized control, has reignited one of Wall Street’s longest-running debates over corporate governance.
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