Finance

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to a new all-time closing high of 52,900.07 during the shortened holiday week. This rally was primarily fueled by a weaker-than-expected June jobs report, which showed only 57,000 positions added, easing immediate fears that the Federal Reserve would pursue further interest rate hikes. While the Dow posted its fourth consecutive weekly gain, the Nasdaq faced pressure from a significant sell-off in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors.

Global crude oil benchmarks fell to their lowest points in roughly four months as geopolitical tensions eased following reported progress in US-Iran negotiations. Brent crude dropped below $71 per barrel, effectively erasing the risk premium added since the outbreak of conflict in early 2026. Market analysts have adjusted their future price forecasts downward as expectations for stable supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz increase.

After experiencing record-breaking outflows of $4.5 billion from Bitcoin ETFs in June, the digital asset market saw a modest recovery as July began. Bitcoin successfully climbed back above the $60,000 threshold, buoyed by softer macroeconomic data and a more optimistic outlook for future interest rate cuts. Despite this rebound, institutional analysts remain cautious, noting a capital rotation away from digital assets toward traditional technology and AI-related stocks.