Finance

A softer-than-expected June jobs report, which showed only 57,000 new positions added, has led markets to scale back expectations for imminent interest rate hikes. This data has provided support for both equities and fixed-income assets, as traders anticipate the Federal Reserve may maintain a more patient stance on monetary policy.

Brent crude futures declined toward $71 per barrel as supply concerns eased following signs of stabilization in the Strait of Hormuz and an OPEC+ agreement to increase output targets. The cooling of energy prices is expected to support growth-sensitive sectors by potentially reducing headline inflation pressures.

The cryptocurrency market remained resilient after the holiday break, with Bitcoin trading near the $63,000 level despite a 'Fear and Greed Index' reading that remains in extreme fear territory. While digital assets recovered from a dip below $58,000 earlier in the month, some analysts remain cautious about the long-term trend through the end of the year.